I am so done with the NFL

[bamaEER]

They all need to go to jail....

When the N.F.L. agreed in 2012 to donate tens of millions of dollars to concussion research overseen by the National Institutes of Health, it was widely seen as a positive turning point in football’s long history of playing down the long-term effects of brain injuries on players. At the time, the league said that it would have no influence over how the money was used.

But the league and its head, neck and spine committee worked to improperly influence the government research, trying to steer the study toward a doctor with ties to the league, according to a study conducted by a congressional committee and released on Monday.

“Our investigation has shown that while the N.F.L. had been publicly proclaiming its role as funder and accelerator of important research, it was privately attempting to influence that research,” the study concluded. “The N.F.L. attempted to use its ‘unrestricted gift’ as leverage to steer funding away from one of its critics.”

The N.F.L., in a statement, said it rejected the accusations laid out in the study, which was conducted by Democratic members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. “There is no dispute that there were concerns raised about both the nature of the study in question and possible conflicts of interest,” the league said. “These concerns were raised for review and consideration through the appropriate channels.”

It is the latest in a long history of instances in which the N.F.L. has been found to mismanage concussion research, dating to the league’s first exploration of the crisis when it used deeply flawed data to produce a series of studies.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/24/s...-research-congressional-study-finds.html?_r=0

 

[JLW71073]

I watched part of an OTL on this yesterday. Sadly, I'm not certain it will sway many viewers away from the NFL. I've slowly become disenfranchised with the NFL and year around coverage amongst other things.

However, where things are changing are at the youth sport level. We're starting to see a drop in participation rates in the NFL while other sports are thriving (soccer and lacrosse). I've talked to a few friends here lately with boys and they are glad they didn't get into football. I've talked with a few friends that coach football and they are trying to coach differently to reduce concussions.

The soccer program I help run is now the largest youth sports program in the rural county we live in. Baseball and football used to be king. Lacrosse is coming up fast looking for field space. We recently took over a set of fields that were used for football. They had to let the lease go because they couldn't afford or justify the need anymore.

 

[bamaEER]

I watched part of an OTL on this yesterday. Sadly, I'm not certain it will sway many viewers away from the NFL. I've slowly become disenfranchised with the NFL and year around coverage amongst other things.

However, where things are changing are at the youth sport level. We're starting to see a drop in participation rates in the NFL while other sports are thriving (soccer and lacrosse). I've talked to a few friends here lately with boys and they are glad they didn't get into football. I've talked with a few friends that coach football and they are trying to coach differently to reduce concussions.

The soccer program I help run is now the largest youth sports program in the rural county we live in. Baseball and football used to be king. Lacrosse is coming up fast looking for field space. We recently took over a set of fields that were used for football. They had to let the lease go because they couldn't afford or justify the need anymore.

The NFL's callous attitude toward the whole thing has been disgusting from day 1. They have a serious problem and they need to fix it. It's not going to be easy and might dramatically change the game, but it has to be done. There are now over 90 confirmed cases of CTE, and there are thousands of former NFL players who have agreed to have their brains tested for CTE upon death. We're going to see a fairly steady number of guys like Junior Seau commit suicide over the next decade or two.

All along the players wanted the truth and they trusted the league to tell them just that. Instead it was a giant cover-up.

 

[op2]

I watched part of an OTL on this yesterday. Sadly, I'm not certain it will sway many viewers away from the NFL. I've slowly become disenfranchised with the NFL and year around coverage amongst other things.

However, where things are changing are at the youth sport level. We're starting to see a drop in participation rates in the NFL while other sports are thriving (soccer and lacrosse). I've talked to a few friends here lately with boys and they are glad they didn't get into football. I've talked with a few friends that coach football and they are trying to coach differently to reduce concussions.

The soccer program I help run is now the largest youth sports program in the rural county we live in. Baseball and football used to be king. Lacrosse is coming up fast looking for field space. We recently took over a set of fields that were used for football. They had to let the lease go because they couldn't afford or justify the need anymore.

I think the thing with the kids playing football less is the canary in the coal mine for the NFL. I don't know what technical changes need to be made to football to make it safer but whatever it is it's in the NFL's long term interest to figure it out and try to propagate the safer play down into colleges and high school and pee wee. If kids stop playing then eventually there will be fewer adults playing and watching.

 

[WVUBRU]

They all need to go to jail....

When the N.F.L. agreed in 2012 to donate tens of millions of dollars to concussion research overseen by the National Institutes of Health, it was widely seen as a positive turning point in football’s long history of playing down the long-term effects of brain injuries on players. At the time, the league said that it would have no influence over how the money was used.

But the league and its head, neck and spine committee worked to improperly influence the government research, trying to steer the study toward a doctor with ties to the league, according to a study conducted by a congressional committee and released on Monday.

“Our investigation has shown that while the N.F.L. had been publicly proclaiming its role as funder and accelerator of important research, it was privately attempting to influence that research,” the study concluded. “The N.F.L. attempted to use its ‘unrestricted gift’ as leverage to steer funding away from one of its critics.”

The N.F.L., in a statement, said it rejected the accusations laid out in the study, which was conducted by Democratic members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. “There is no dispute that there were concerns raised about both the nature of the study in question and possible conflicts of interest,” the league said. “These concerns were raised for review and consideration through the appropriate channels.”

It is the latest in a long history of instances in which the N.F.L. has been found to mismanage concussion research, dating to the league’s first exploration of the crisis when it used deeply flawed data to produce a series of studies.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/24/s...-research-congressional-study-finds.html?_r=0

I can understand your feelings but personally, I separate the sport on the field versus the various legal issues. This one goes a little deeper into morals so it is different in that aspect.

 

[TarHeelEer]

I've talked with a few friends that coach football and they are trying to coach differently to reduce concussions.

We aren't just trying. All of our league coaches must be certified prior to stepping on the practice field.

 

[EEResistable]

It's time to do away with tackle football. Replace it with flag football.

 

[mneilmont]

Democratic members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. “There is no dispute that there were concerns raised about both the nature of the study in question and possible conflicts of interest

Consider the source. Dem only committee getting some ink.

 

[TarHeelEer]

I think the thing with the kids playing football less is the canary in the coal mine for the NFL. I don't know what technical changes need to be made to football to make it safer but whatever it is it's in the NFL's long term interest to figure it out and try to propagate the safer play down into colleges and high school and pee wee. If kids stop playing then eventually there will be fewer adults playing and watching.

It's going to be different techniques, such as hawk tackling.

 

[moe]

Consider the source. Dem only committee getting some ink.

So you think that the NFL is being transparent on the concussion issue? and you don't think that the NFL has tried to influence studies into concussions and CTE? and you think this is all some kind of Democratic party conspiracy to harm the NFL?

 

[DC_Mountaineer]

They've been doing this for years. Since Tagliabue was commish, in fact. This is the same league that had a Rheumatologist leading their "Brain Injury Committee" for years.

 

[WhiteTailEER]

They all need to go to jail....

When the N.F.L. agreed in 2012 to donate tens of millions of dollars to concussion research overseen by the National Institutes of Health, it was widely seen as a positive turning point in football’s long history of playing down the long-term effects of brain injuries on players. At the time, the league said that it would have no influence over how the money was used.

But the league and its head, neck and spine committee worked to improperly influence the government research, trying to steer the study toward a doctor with ties to the league, according to a study conducted by a congressional committee and released on Monday.

“Our investigation has shown that while the N.F.L. had been publicly proclaiming its role as funder and accelerator of important research, it was privately attempting to influence that research,” the study concluded. “The N.F.L. attempted to use its ‘unrestricted gift’ as leverage to steer funding away from one of its critics.”

The N.F.L., in a statement, said it rejected the accusations laid out in the study, which was conducted by Democratic members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. “There is no dispute that there were concerns raised about both the nature of the study in question and possible conflicts of interest,” the league said. “These concerns were raised for review and consideration through the appropriate channels.”

It is the latest in a long history of instances in which the N.F.L. has been found to mismanage concussion research, dating to the league’s first exploration of the crisis when it used deeply flawed data to produce a series of studies.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/24/s...-research-congressional-study-finds.html?_r=0

If the employment of rapists, murderers, drug dealers, thieves and dog fighters didn't keep you away, why would this?

 

[mneilmont]

So you think that the NFL is being transparent on the concussion issue? and you don't think that the NFL has tried to influence studies into concussions and CTE? and you think this is all some kind of Democratic party conspiracy to harm the NFL?

I don't know all of that, of course. But I am wise enough to question words and visions of politicians at election time. 5 months 'til their term expires and they need big opportunities to get some big momentum.

Easier task may be to develop a pot of money for aiding some of the Tally type futures. See many million contracts going out to young talent. How about developing a fund that is financed by assessing a fee on salaries over some comfort level. Bi-partisan approach may be more effective in getting political force.

 

[Mntneer]

It's going to be different techniques, such as hawk tackling.

It's how I was taught to tackle 30+ years ago.

Today's mindset with youth football is why my kids don't play football.

 

[JLW71073]

We aren't just trying. All of our league coaches must be certified prior to stepping on the practice field.

That's good. Soccer is moving that directions as well. It's less publicized but soccer has it's own issues with concussions. As club we have never taught heading before U13. Now US Soccer is mandating that you are not allowed to teach heading before I think U13. Referees are instructed to call fouls on young players that perform headers.

 

[MOUNTIE IN MD]

Lacrosse has a good share of concussions as well...especially during face-offs and hard checks. I actually attached a concussion monitor to my son's helmet last season to register the amount of hits to the head and would blink if it was of a severe hit. We took him to the doctor after two hard hits...mainly the head bouncing off the turf, and he did suffer a mild concussion.

It's interesting to note that the violence in the sport may be related to more football players switching to Lax but still playing with the aggressive hitting style.

As for football, it's obvious that there needs to more done to address the CTE's. My wife has treated several former NFL players with early dementia, etc. at her Rehab facilities.

 

[Mntneer]

Lacrosse has a good share of concussions as well...especially during face-offs and hard checks. I actually attached a concussion monitor to my son's helmet last season to register the amount of hits to the head and would blink if it was of a severe hit. We took him to the doctor after two hard hits...mainly the head bouncing off the turf, and he did suffer a mild concussion.

It's interesting to note that the violence in the sport may be related to more football players switching to Lax but still playing with the aggressive hitting style.

As for football, it's obvious that there needs to more done to address the CTE's. My wife has treated several former NFL players with early dementia, etc. at her Rehab facilities.

My son plays Lacrosse as well. I have to say it can be a brutal sport.

A friend of mine works for a company that makes concussion monitors.

 

[bornaneer]

They will NEVER be able to eliminate concussions from the game due to the way the game is currently played,coached and the archaic equipment being used. In fact the incidences of concussion will increase. The size,speed and strength increases of the players has far outpaced the protection technology.

 

[bornaneer]

Lacrosse has a good share of concussions as well...especially during face-offs and hard checks. I actually attached a concussion monitor to my son's helmet last season to register the amount of hits to the head and would blink if it was of a severe hit. We took him to the doctor after two hard hits...mainly the head bouncing off the turf, and he did suffer a mild concussion.

It's interesting to note that the violence in the sport may be related to more football players switching to Lax but still playing with the aggressive hitting style.

As for football, it's obvious that there needs to more done to address the CTE's. My wife has treated several former NFL players with early dementia, etc. at her Rehab facilities.

Concussion monitor?........how nice of you...... When do you decide to pull him out? If we allow people to play dangerous games we have to accept the consequences. One concussion is one too many if one is really concerned......

 

[bornaneer]

It's how I was taught to tackle 30+ years ago.

Today's mindset with youth football is why my kids don't play football.

Especially with the number of idiots playing the game. They hit full speed with their helmets and they still don't get it......instead they high five each other.

 

[bornaneer]

They all need to go to jail....

When the N.F.L. agreed in 2012 to donate tens of millions of dollars to concussion research overseen by the National Institutes of Health, it was widely seen as a positive turning point in football’s long history of playing down the long-term effects of brain injuries on players. At the time, the league said that it would have no influence over how the money was used.

But the league and its head, neck and spine committee worked to improperly influence the government research, trying to steer the study toward a doctor with ties to the league, according to a study conducted by a congressional committee and released on Monday.

“Our investigation has shown that while the N.F.L. had been publicly proclaiming its role as funder and accelerator of important research, it was privately attempting to influence that research,” the study concluded. “The N.F.L. attempted to use its ‘unrestricted gift’ as leverage to steer funding away from one of its critics.”

The N.F.L., in a statement, said it rejected the accusations laid out in the study, which was conducted by Democratic members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. “There is no dispute that there were concerns raised about both the nature of the study in question and possible conflicts of interest,” the league said. “These concerns were raised for review and consideration through the appropriate channels.”

It is the latest in a long history of instances in which the N.F.L. has been found to mismanage concussion research, dating to the league’s first exploration of the crisis when it used deeply flawed data to produce a series of studies.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/24/s...-research-congressional-study-finds.html?_r=0

Pure politics as usual. Maybe the ones who need jailed are the idiots that deliver illegal head hits.

 

[MOUNTIE IN MD]

Concussion monitor?........how nice of you...... When do you decide to pull him out? If we allow people to play dangerous games we have to accept the consequences. One concussion is one too many if one is really concerned......

Well, skippy, the monitor was used for a group in Bethesda, MD as part of concussion research...which Lacrosse
wasn't considered to be a threat for concussions until recently.

 

[MOUNTIE IN MD]

Additionally, my son didn't want to wear the monitor but I forced him too for safety reasons. When it went off blinking, we sent him to the doctors office that evening. Without the device, we would have never known he had possibly suffered any type of concussion.

Just so you know, about 1/3 of the kids in his league wore the same devices to gather research on LAX concussions, which is way more than what the NFL is doing with their same issues.

Finally, I grew up in WV but now live in MD. Lacrosse and Soccer are the dominant sports here and are extremely popular. Soccer, in my opinion, also has it's issues with concussion b/c it is extremely fast and they play with minimal equipment.

You can't just tell kids that they can't play sports (that they love) but rather figure out ways to make the sports they love played in a safer manner...whether that be equipment or technique or both.

The NFL is just ignoring the entire argument for the sake of $$$. BTW, I love the NFL, and LAX, and all sports but I feel like football is lagging behind the others.

 

[bornaneer]

Additionally, my son didn't want to wear the monitor but I forced him too for safety reasons. When it went off blinking, we sent him to the doctors office that evening. Without the device, we would have never known he had possibly suffered any type of concussion.

Just so you know, about 1/3 of the kids in his league wore the same devices to gather research on LAX concussions, which is way more than what the NFL is doing with their same issues.

Finally, I grew up in WV but now live in MD. Lacrosse and Soccer are the dominant sports here and are extremely popular. Soccer, in my opinion, also has it's issues with concussion b/c it is extremely fast and they play with minimal equipment.

You can't just tell kids that they can't play sports (that they love) but rather figure out ways to make the sports they love played in a safer manner...whether that be equipment or technique or both.

The NFL is just ignoring the entire argument for the sake of $$$. BTW, I love the NFL, and LAX, and all sports but I feel like football is lagging behind the others.

OK..."Skippy". I lived in Annapolis for 32 years , so I'm very aware about the popularity of Lacrosse and Soccer. Are you going to allow your son to continuing playing Lacrosse now that you are aware of the concussion danger? I'm sure you are also aware that long term danger is only one hit away. In the end, any of us that allow our children to play in sports where dangers are present are more guilty than the NFL of putting our kids at risk. If you read my 10:23 AM post you might have a better understanding if my thoughts on this issue. The NFLPA bears more blame than the NFL for allowing their idiotic members to play the way they do and get away with the mayhem and injury they cause. They are the ones that should educating their members about the safe and wrong way to play. After all... the NFL is only hiring the members of that union.

 

[bamaEER]

Pure politics as usual. Maybe the ones who need jailed are the idiots that deliver illegal head hits.

The public flogging starts with Ira Casson

 

[bornaneer]

The public flogging starts with Ira Casson

People that lie and deny the link between concussions and CTE should be flogged. I had personal experiences with a former NFL player whose life came to a tragic end due to CTE. Google Dave Duerson and you will find his story.

 

[bamaEER]

People that lie and deny the link between concussions and CTE should be flogged. I had personal experiences with a former NFL player whose life came to a tragic end due to CTE. Google Dave Duerson and you will find his story.

I know all about Dave Duerson, Mike Webster, Justin Strzelcyk, Junior Seau, etc. Unfortunately, Darryl Talley obviously is dealing with it as well.

 

[bornaneer]

I know all about Dave Duerson, Mike Webster, Justin Strzelcyk, Junior Seau, etc. Unfortunately, Darryl Talley obviously is dealing with it as well.

Yes....I saw the story about Darryl.

 

[TarHeelEer]

Especially with the number of idiots playing the game. They hit full speed with their helmets and they still don't get it......instead they high five each other.

I've only seen one concussion from that type of hit in the last 6 years now. I've seen a few from hitting the back of their heads off the ground. Not sure how they're going to solve that one.

 

[bornaneer]

I've only seen one concussion from that type of hit in the last 6 years now. I've seen a few from hitting the back of their heads off the ground. Not sure how they're going to solve that one.

I should have mentioned all the other injuries that are caused by those type hits.

 

[bornaneer]

I have zero problems with football. Its a tough game. I have a big issue with idiots that cheer when they see those injury hits but try to blame the NFL and cry foul when things turn out bad. If some have problems with football.....don't play.

 

[mneilmont]

I have zero problems with football. Its a tough game. I have a big issue with idiots that cheer when they see those injury hits but try to blame the NFL and cry foul when things turn out bad. If some have problems with football.....don't play.

I do not watch NFL any more. They have just gotten so big and fast that there is potential permanent damage with each contact. They keep building lighter equipment to enhance speed. Solution would be to slow them down some - weights in shoes; water cells in uniforms. Discussion with son-in-law(HS and college QB) who says it is a rough sport and to allow them to hit - man's game. He will allow his son to play the game in 9th grade only after bony structure has developed. Has studied and it is Tom Landry method he agrees to.

 

[torontoeers]

Don't watch at all anymore and haven't for years...the entertainment value sucks quite frankly in comparison to the college game...and as per the concussion issues? It ain't hard to understand why they take NOTHING seriously, and try to sweep everything under the rug or play hide the peanut...just look at that wet noodle commish...
.

 

[bornaneer]

Don't watch at all anymore and haven't for years...the entertainment value sucks quite frankly in comparison to the college game...and as per the concussion issues? It ain't hard to understand why they take NOTHING seriously, and try to sweep everything under the rug or play hide the peanut...just look at that wet noodle commish...
.

Is Hinch going to get it done on Sunday? He really looks good so far.

 

[DvlDog4WVU]

I have zero problems with football. Its a tough game. I have a big issue with idiots that cheer when they see those injury hits but try to blame the NFL and cry foul when things turn out bad. If some have problems with football.....don't play.

Yea, I really don't care about the concussion issue. These guys knowingly choose this path to walk in. Everyone of them could have chosen to use the degree they acquire (or have the ability to acquire) instead of playing in the NFL. It's a dangerous and rough sport that destroys your body. This is not new information.

 

[bornaneer]

Yea, I really don't care about the concussion issue. These guys knowingly choose this path to walk in. Everyone of them could have chosen to use the degree they acquire (or have the ability to acquire) instead of playing in the NFL. It's a dangerous and rough sport that destroys your body. This is not new information.

Agree......the only problem I have are the finger pointers AFTER the fact and the ones that play the game in an idiotic manner and then wonder why they got hurt.

 

[torontoeers]

Is Hinch going to get it done on Sunday? He really looks good so far.

He sure has! I see Tags makes a return too...albeit on the back of the grid but in this race of endurance I'm sure he's happy to get into the contest anywhere....if I were on the top of the grid I'd certainly be wary of the large contingent of vets slotted near the middle. Lots of fellas in there who could pull it off! I will happily take ANYONE not named Will 'boo hoo' Power or Sebastian 'I need a good cry' Bourdais winning this race lol....still a classic after all these years this race...looking forward to it greatly!

 

[bornaneer]

He sure has! I see Tags makes a return too...albeit on the back of the grid but in this race of endurance I'm sure he's happy to get into the contest anywhere....if I were on the top of the grid I'd certainly be wary of the large contingent of vets slotted near the middle. Lots of fellas in there who could pull it off! I will happily take ANYONE not named Will 'boo hoo' Power or Sebastian 'I need a good cry' Bourdais winning this race lol....still a classic after all these years this race...looking forward to it greatly!

Depressed because I could not make it Indy this year. They are expecting close to 350K. Tickets on the secondary sites for my usual seats which I could usually pay 250 to 300 are going for 1,200 to 2,000 bucks each. It will be a great day for racing.....Monaco in the morning then Indy.

 

[torontoeers]

Depressed because I could not make it Indy this year. They are expecting close to 350K. Tickets on the secondary sites for my usual seats which I could usually pay 250 to 300 are going for 1,200 to 2,000 bucks each. I will be a great day for racing.....Monaco in the morning then Indy.

Wow! That is steep pricing! I want to head back again one day but always proves a bit difficult with the date and sordid family obligations....btw did you see this one F3 crash from the other day in Austria? Just a hellish impact...I have no idea if anyone was badly injured in it...my neighbor just sent me the link this AM...
Also sorry for us hijackers bamaEER lol....although I suppose this Impact could bring on one helluva concussion! How is that Newf dog doin anyway? Mine was in surgery yesterday for a nasty cancer tumor on his leg...resting on painkillers today and hopefully his happy self soon...