As much as I enjoy watching football, the evidence of TBI in players compared to those who do not involve themselves in such a high impact sport, causes me distress. I do not see football ending, so I am hoping/praying for the education and rapid advanced protection needed for those who choose to play the sport, and already do. Any thoughts?
I'm not a fan. I simply never learned the sport other than video games. My parents didn't watch it. I was the oldest of two. In saying I'm not a fan, I don't hate the sport. I like watching it on television though I don't watch often. I agree with all you said. The sport is dangerous in regard to TBI. I can't fathom they can find a real answer. The brain floats in our skull. No helmet can prevent the jerky motions of the head that cause TBI. The only way I see the sport ending is parents never letting their kids play and the sport loses it's source of players. Will parents love their kids enough to pull them? We did. Ten years ago my wife and I were unaware of TBI and football. We let both our boys play youth football. Both suffered horrible concussions. My older boy couldn't be in gym for six months. My younger boy had 4 months where his head hurt if he wasn't lying down. That was enough for us.
I think you may be right-- Football does start so early on, and it is the parents decision. My son wanted to play and then was not into it--He has had a couple concussions along the way anyway! I think kids do stuff that is pretty rough regardless...football is continuous.
My son played flag football for several years and he really enjoyed it, and was really good at it. Several teammates and parents went on to play tackle and they wanted him on their team because of how skilled he was. And he was VERY good at football. But I chose NOT to let him play tackle. I don't regret it.
I read somewhere that football players have a 100% chance of injury during their career. Even though not nearly as risky as football, they have eliminated heading in soccer until the kids are older. There is evidence that even that can and has caused concussions. I only let my bys head a ball after the first bounce.
I'd rather society would be honest about it and go back to true blood sport. "We who are about to die salute you." At least it would be honest.
Same same. I'm a big libertarian. If grown men want to shoot up steroids and smash their heads into one another for the blood lust of the crowd, that's their choice. I get to choose whether I pay to see that or not.
I doubt enough parents will ever remove their kids from the sport to make a difference. I went to a parochial high school that had the number one football team in my home state, so when I was growing up, football was a big deal with all of my guy friends and pretty much every guy I dated in high school. The attitude of parents was pretty much that injuries happen, but it probably won't happen to their kid. These days we know more about football injuries and TBI, but I don't see any change in the attitude.
Exactly. People are becoming leaning too Orwellian "Big Brother" in this society. Of course -parents- have the right to allow or not allow their kids to play sports but that should be the end of it.
I agree with you guys. And I agree with mommaJenny. Not enough parents will stop. I told both my boys that God gave them good minds. I couldn't be the steward that let those get damaged.
I love baseball. I like football. I could never play football. I can play baseball. I can almost smell baseball. I do not wish to smell football. Not for the faint of heart-- Sometimes I do find myself turning my head when I watch tackles and such.... I do marvel at the super athletic, regardless.
I made the mistake of playing tackle for a while, and it was a huge mistake. Took a toll on my knees.
LOL. Yes. Remember we Americans call Football the sport where you pretty much use your hands. And when we do kick it, it's by a Kicker that usually isn't American.
Not much into any sports. I played 2 years of football in high school. Along with 2 years of wrestling and 1 year of track. No good at any of them.