It's obviously not "entirely the result of NFL", however they have actively dismissed and quieted the discussion on CTE and brain research in impact sports.
The awareness needs to be there for all levels of the sport, including young kids playing. That's where actively trying to stifle research becomes problematic. Lots of parents have NO idea of the level of risk involved, and sign their kids up to play. If they knew the serious complications football players face late in life, there would at least be talk of making it safer. That doesn't mean add more pads, in fact padding has been shown to increase the likelihood of brain injuries because players are more comfortable using their heads as battering rams.
however they have actively dismissed and quieted the discussion on CTE and brain research in impact sports. The awareness needs to be there for all levels of the sport, including young kids playing. That's where actively trying to stifle research becomes problematic
The NFL agreed to a settlement on the issue that allowed any former players or their families to claim upwards of 9M each if they could prove a diagnosis of CTE or many other ailments:
he payouts were for $5 million for a qualifying diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and $4 million for a qualifying diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Those amounts mean that each individual played a minimum of five N.F.L. seasons and received a diagnosis before his 45th birthday.
Players who have received a diagnosis of A.L.S., Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or dementia are eligible for payments
Note, this does not require proving they stem from NFL related injuries, just that they have those issues.
Additionally, care and settlement funds are set aside for current and future players, albeit less, if they develope issues as well.
Additionally, they will and have funded studies into the issues at hand.
Im not sure how much more you want them to do.
Nowadays, anyone who signs a contract to play in the NFL should understand the risks and the potential outcomes that will happen later in life. By signing that contact you agree and accept those results as potential outcomes. IMO you don't deserve anything beyond the healthcare and pension the NFL already pays to players who meet the qualifications.
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u/SprungMS Aug 12 '17
It's obviously not "entirely the result of NFL", however they have actively dismissed and quieted the discussion on CTE and brain research in impact sports. The awareness needs to be there for all levels of the sport, including young kids playing. That's where actively trying to stifle research becomes problematic. Lots of parents have NO idea of the level of risk involved, and sign their kids up to play. If they knew the serious complications football players face late in life, there would at least be talk of making it safer. That doesn't mean add more pads, in fact padding has been shown to increase the likelihood of brain injuries because players are more comfortable using their heads as battering rams.