CONCUSSIONS ARE AFFECTING THE GAME OF FOOTBALL.By: Dominic Fontana & Michael Gooden

CONCUSSION:

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions. Effects are usually temporary, but can include problems with headaches, concentration, memory, judgment, balance, and coordination. (Mayo clinic staff, 2011)

CAUSES:

Most of you know that a concussion can be caused by any significant blunt force trauma to the head such as a fall, a car accident, sports injury, or being struck on the head with an object. (WebMD, 2010)

Photo courtesy of Google Images

CAUSES CONTINUED: However, most people don’t

know that the brain is cushioned from everyday jolts and bumps by the cerebrospinal fluid that it floats in, inside your skull.

A violent blow to your head and neck or upper body can cause your brain to slide back and forth forcefully against the inner wall of your skull.

Sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head — resulting from events such as a car crash or sporting injury— also can cause brain injury.

(Mayo clinic staff, 2011)

Photo courtesy of Google Images

WHAT PART OF THE BRAIN IS AFFECTED?

Brain injury causes lesions that appear and change over time in the prefrontal cortex and its pathways to the other regions of the brain. (The Franklin Institute, 2004) Photo courtesy of Google Images

FUNCTIONS OF THE PREFRONTAL CORTEX (PFC):

This vital region of the brain regulates thought in terms of both short-term and long-term decision making.

It allows humans to plan ahead and create strategies, and also to adjust actions or reactions in changing situations.

It helps to focus thoughts, which enable people to pay attention, learn, and concentrate on goals.

This area is also the part of the brain that allows humans to consider several different yet related lines of thinking when learning or evaluating complex concepts or tasks.

The PFC also houses active, working memory. (Anissimov, 2013)

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS: 4 MAIN CATEGORIES: Thinking and

remembering Not thinking clearly Feeling slowed down Not being able to

concentrate Not being able to remember

new information Physical

Headache Fuzzy or blurry vision Nausea and vomiting Dizziness Sensitivity to light or noise Balance problems Feeling tired or having no

energy

Emotional and mood Easily upset or angered Sad Nervous or anxious More emotional

Sleep Sleeping more than

usual Sleeping less than

usual Having a hard time

falling asleep

(WebMD, 2010)

TREATMENTS:

A person who might have a concussion needs to immediately stop any kind of activity or sport.

Rest is the best way to recover from a concussion.

Get plenty of sleep at night, and take it easy during the day.

Avoid activities that are physically or mentally demanding Such as: exercise, schoolwork, video games, etc.

Use ice or a cold pack on any swelling for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.

Use pain medicine as directed. (WebMD, 2010)

PRESSING ISSUES TODAY: Concussions in the NFL

have been a hot topic in the world of sports.

ESPN, The NY Times, CNN, etc. have covered stories concerning the concussion problem.

Numerous debates and interviews have taken place on SportsCenter regarding the issue of concussions and the effects they have on the players.

Photo courtesy of Google Images

HOW WE ONCE KNEW FOOTBALL: Prior to the 2010 NFL

Controversy, player safety was not of the upmost importance.

Players were allowed to deliver head-to-head collisions without facing penalties or fines from the league.

Players would return to the game even when they showed signs of concussions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz6wJ-rcfbA

"Guys are thinking about it much deeper now than they did before,"

“When we played, we took it in stride, playing dinged. It was part of the game, but nobody told us at that time there might be some residual effects. You had to play through it to survive.” - Harry Carson, NY Giants

Hall of Fame Inside LB

(Cimini, 2012)

CONTROVERSY IN THE NFL: In 2010, the NFL

acknowledged that concussions can lead to dementia, memory loss, CTE, and other related symptoms.

This resulted from the 4,000 lawsuits they received from former NFL players and families who are now dealing with the long term effects of the concussions they endured while playing in the league. There are currently 12,000

living former NFL players – so 1/3 of them are suing over head injuries.

(Gbajabiamila, 2013)

Since then, the league has introduced: Stricter penalties

and increased fines for illegal head-to-head hits

Improved helmets that better protect athletes

Taken other specific actions to further prevent player head injuries.

MITCH WHITE’S STORY Seven years and one

crushing hit later, he is one of the 4,000 former NFL players who are suing the league over concussions.

At age 34, White is unable to work and is sometimes so debilitated by migraines that he cannot care for his two young daughters.

He takes as many as eight medications at a time to ease his headaches, and smooth his erratic moods and sleeplessness.

(Battista, 2012)

Photo courtesy of Google Images

FORMER PLAYERS SUFFERING:

The long term effects of concussions have: Ended players’

careers early Lead to diseases

such as CTE, memory loss, degenerative brain disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc.

Even resulted in suicide

Rodney Harrison is fearful for his life after his 15 year NFL career where he suffered numerous concussions. http://sports.yahoo.c

om/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/rodney-harrison-says-scared-death-career-filled-concussions-015416631--nfl.html

JUNIOR SEAU STORY: In May 2012, former San

Diego Charger, Junior Seau took his life by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest while in his home.

His family agreed to have his brain studied, to determine whether there could possibly be a link between the hits to the head he absorbed as a football player and his suicide.

The findings determined the brain of the All-Pro linebacker showed abnormalities associated with CTE and degenerative brain disease.

(Farmer, 2013)

“Just block out this pain. It’s taught from coaches from the time you’re in Pop Warner. I’ve done it myself as a coach, coaching my kids through high school.”

“Junior was obviously very good at it. He’d play through ridiculous pain that some people wouldn’t even get out of bed with to go to an office job. Sometimes you play a game with those.” - Gary Plummer, former

NFL LB, former teammate of Seau

Photo courtesy of Google Images

STRICTER ACTIONS, FINES, AND PENALTIES Actions:

The NFL moved the kickoff from the 30 to the 35 yard line. Since a majority of head

injuries occur during the kickoff, the amount of returns per season will decrease; therefore the risk of head injuries will also decrease.

Penalties: When an illegal head-to-

head hit takes place, the ref throws a penalty flag for a 15 yard penalty.

Fines: Each illegal hit is

assessed differently. Depending on the extent of the hit, the NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, will further assess the play and assign an appropriate fine.

Suspensions can also take place if a player repeatedly commits illegal hits or if a particular hit is extremely offensive.

IMPROVED HELMETS: The helmet has come a long way

since the soft leather helmet of the 1920’s.

The modern helmet is hard on the outside and extremely soft and padded on the inside and has even taken advice from the US Military.

A couple new ideas have launched to further develop the helmet: An impact indicator chin strap that

can measure the strength and duration of a hit that a player endures and can relay that information instantly to coaches and trainers.

Reebok is designing a skull cap that can also read the impact of a hit on a player.

(NFL.com, 2012)

Photos courtesy of Google Images

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PLAYER IS CONCUSSED IN THE NFL:

1. Initial impact2. The force from the

impact causes the brain to strike the inner surface of the skull and rebound against the opposite side.

3. In severe concussions the brain can twist as it rebounds.

4. The brain swells and puts pressure on the brain stem. Photo courtesy of Google Images

OBVIOUS CAUSES OF CONCUSSIONS IN THE NFL:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o66mekg-1_Y QB Matt Schaub took a brutal head-to-head hit

from LB Joe Mays. Mays was fined $50,000 and faced a 1 game

suspension.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXjx0osS-ew LB James Harrison delivered a traumatic blow to

QB Colt McCoy. Harrison was suspended 1 game for his violent

hit.

PROBLEMS WITH CONCUSSIONS AND PLAYER MENTALITY: Today it is becoming a bigger

problem that players want to return to the field after suffering a concussion.

Players do not want to show weakness to their coaches or teammates out of fear of being replaced and not being able to provide for themselves or their families.

This is a huge problem because suffering from another blow to the head can greatly increase the chance of further injury and future illness.

(Associated Press, 2011)

"The bottom line is: You have to be able to put food on the table. No one's going to sign or want a guy who can't stay healthy. I know there will be a day when I'm going to have trouble walking. I realize that." – Maurice Jones-Drew.

Photo courtesy of Google Images

FUTURE EXPECTATIONS OF THE NFL: The battle between the NFL

Players Association and the NFL has been a constant issue.

The NFLPA claims that the NFL cares more about money than players’ safety.

The NFLPA wants concussion specialists who have no team affiliation to stay on the sidelines and oversee concussion protocols and treat players.

In the long run, the NFL is a big business and they want to protect their image and keep fans.

The NFL is concerned about losing fans due to continuing stricter rules and regulations that they think may change the game too drastically.

(Mortensen, 2012)Photo courtesy of Google Images

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Anissimov, Michael. "What Is the Prefrontal Cortex?" WiseGEEK. N.p., 25 Feb. 2013. Web. 3 Mar. 2013.

Battista, Judy. "A Player's Concussion, A Family's Ordeal." The New York Times. The New York Times, 16 Sept. 2012. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.

Boriboon, Kia. "Concussion Management In Football: Don't Shake It Off." PT In Motion 5.1 (2013): 18-25. SPORTDiscus with Full Text. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.

Cimini, Rich. "In N.Y., Two Sides to NFL concussions." ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures, 17 May 2012. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.

Clemmitt, Marcia. "Traumatic Brain Injury. Is an Effective Cure Possible?" CQ Researcher by CQ Press. CQ Press, 01 June 2012. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.

"Concussion - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention." WebMD. WebMD, 23 July 2010. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.

Farmer, Sam. "Junior Seau Had Brain Disease When He Committed Suicide." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2013. Web. 11 Mar. 2013.

Gbajabiamila, Akbar. "Concussion Lawsuits against NFL Shouldn't Be for Everyone." NFL.com. N.p., 12 Feb. 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.

Hayes, Ashley, Molly Green, Stephanie Smith, and Justin Lear. "Former NFL Players: League Concealed Concussion Risks." CNN. Cable News Network, 20 July 2011. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.

"History of the NFL Football Helmet." NFL.com. N.p., 15 Nov. 2012. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.

Jost, Kenneth. "Is the NFL Doing Enough to Protect Players?" CQ Researcher by CQ Press. CQ Press, 11 Oct. 2011. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.

Mortensen, Chris. "NFLPA Wants Concussion experts." ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures, 13 Nov. 2012. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.

Press, Associated. "Players Still Willing to Hide Head injuries." ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures, 26 Dec. 2011. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Definition." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Feb. 2011. Web. 3 Mar. 2013.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Definition." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Feb. 2011. Web. 3 Mar. 2013.

"The Human Brain - Watch Your Head." The Human Brain - Watch Your Head. The Fanklin Institute Online, 2004. Web. 11 Mar. 2013.

Tracy, Michelle. "Shake, Rattle, and Roll: The Impact of Undiagnosed Concussions in Pediatrics." ScienceDirect. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.

OUR OPINION:

How Concussions Are Damaging the Great Game

Fines. Suspensions. Penalties. Are all these things hurting the great game we once knew? As a kid growing up, I was trained to hit the Quarterback in the mouth. No one was taught to avoid contact in certain areas pertaining to the head. I remember times after a big collision when my head was throbbing and the field was spinning around me but I played through in order to prove myself to my coaches and fellow teammates. Living through the intensity of high school football taught me to suck it up and move forward.

Coaches to this day are blunt and willing to do anything to win. Take into consideration the words of Saints Defensive Coordinator, Gregg Williams, “Every single one of you, before you get off the pile, affect the head… Continue to touch and affect the head. Kill the head and the body will die” (Petchesky, 2012). They do everything in their might; verbally calling players “pussies,” “worthless pieces of shit,” and “dumbasses” when they fail to make a hit or play on the ball. Experiencing a traumatic blow to the head is just one of the few worries on a player’s mind.

Players such as Safety Jack Tatum of the Oakland Raiders played fearlessly; hitting players and punishing whoever dared trespass in his zone. Frankly, he didn’t give a crap about anything other than knocking the piss out of the opposing players. He once stated, "I always wanted to hit someone hard, and if they got hurt, that was part of the game. But you always wanted them to be OK" (Leibman, 2010). This quote couldn’t be more accurate. Back in the 1970’s Tatum was nicknamed “The Assassin” for injuring multiple players and even paralyzing Daryl Stingley. Overall, the game of football is a violent sport—players will get injured (even though you mentally don’t want them too), but it is part of the game.

Since the 2010 NFL Controversy, the league has implemented stricter penalties and fines on players who deliver illegal head-to-head hits to help protect players from head injuries. The kickoff has even been moved closer by five yards in order to decrease the chance of a return up the field. Enormous athletes running at each other full speed trying to make a big play is one of the main causes of head injuries in football, but it is also where momentum of a game can swing and is one of the more exciting aspects of football. In today’s NFL, we see defensive players taking less aggressive approaches—passing up hits on the quarterback and receivers in order to “please” league officials and higher authoritative figures. And when they fail to do so, are fined thousands of dollars or suspended for multiple games. How does this help the sport? It simply doesn’t! The only thing it helps is losing revenue. Players carry multi-million dollar contracts and receive additional millions from endorsements. All these luxuries are from playing the game of football. They signed up to play a violent sport and should be aware of the consequences resulting from head-to-head combat.

We understand that these players can suffer from horrible long term effects such as degenerative brain disease or CTE due to many concussions they suffer in their football careers. The thousands of lawsuits the NFL has received from former players coping with terrible diseases are obvious signs that too many blows to the head can be a very serious issue. The sleeplessness, erratic moods, depression, and memory loss are troubling symptoms that these athletes are now suffering through. Although these players are examples of what can happen from too many concussions, the game of football should not suffer because of them.

In our opinion, the league should continue to invest time and money into further improving equipment such as helmets, padding, and mouthpieces to decrease the chances of head injuries. Teaching proper tackling techniques is another vital thing the NFL should do. Put the time into teaching these monstrous athletes to not tackle by leading with their heads. However, as far as penalties and fines are concerned, they have become strict enough and no further rules should be implemented. Players such as Chad Ochocinco and Maurice Jones-Drew agree with the statements above. In a 2011 Preseason game, Mason Foster delivered a brutal head-on-hit to Chad Ochocinco. NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, fined the Rookie linebacker $20,000 for his illegal tackle. Ironically, Ochocinco reimbursed Foster the $20,000 and stated that Foster’s hit was part of the game and plays like that simply happen (Klopman, 2011). When Maurice Jones-Drew was asked about concussions he replied by saying “The bottom line is: No one’s going to sign or want a guy who can’t stay healthy. I know there will be a day when I am going to have trouble walking. I realize that” (Associated Press, 2011). These quotes and actions above validate our argument. If you take away what makes the sport special it will take away interest from the sport. Fans will walk away from the game if there is no game left. If we can’t see what we want to see we will find something else to watch.

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Klopman, Michael. "Chad Ochocinco Tells Roger Goodell He Will Reimburse Mason Foster's Fine." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 25 Aug. 2011. Web. 11 Mar. 2013.

Leibman, Glen. "Five Quotes By and About Jack Tatum." SPORTS QUOTATION MAN: FOR YOUR DAILY DOSE OF SPORTS QUOTES: Five Quotes By and About Jack Tatum. N.p., 27 July 2010. Web. 11 Mar. 2013.

"NFL Getting Too Soft!!" HubPages. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2013.

Petchesky, Barry. ""Kill The Fucking Head": Gregg Williams Told The Saints To Destroy The 49ers' Brains." Deadspin. N.p., 05 Apr. 2012. Web. 13 Mar. 2013.

Press, Associated. "Players Still Willing to Hide Head injuries." ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures, 26 Dec. 2011. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.