Concussions in the NFL

In this essay, the author

• Explains that the national football league has been associated with concussions and brain traumas throughout the years, but recently it was exposed by media and nfl veterans. many former players are experiencing the effects of taking hard hits over and over again.
• Analyzes how the nfl started a committee called the mtbi (mild traumatic brain injury) in 1994. dr. elliot pellman's quote shows how concussions didn't hold much importance, even though it should have been the committee’s main focus.
• Narrates how mike webster, a former pittsburgh steeler, brought awareness to brain traumas by claiming to be disabled with the nfl retirement board and having dementia.
• Explains that dr. omalu diagnosed a football player with cte, and two other doctors connected concussions to dementia.
• Explains that the mtbi was still making concussions sound minor, and not a big problem.
• Describes how david duerson, a 50-year-old former chicago bears player, committed suicide to donate his brain to further research.
• Explains that duerson is not the only player dealing with effects of brain trauma during a professional football career. over 240 complaints have been filed against the nfl and how they deal with concussions.
• Explains that the nfl ignored mounting evidence about damage from concussions and tried to dispute emerging science with questionable research of its own.
• Explains that the league finally strengthened their approach to concussions. medical professionals on the sideline now are more prone to look for symptoms.
• Explains that concussions can be fatal if they occur before the brain heals properly. many nfl players are giant and feel untouchable, but they need to be as aware as everyone else.
• Opines that the first few days after a concussion, an athlete needs to be very careful with what they allow themselves to do.
• Explains that concussion prevention techniques can be used especially in football. helmets are the protective gear to help with prevention.
• Explains that football is a very physical game and the chance of preventing any injury is very limited. all doctors agree that helmets will never completely prevent the brain.
• Describes the recent rule changes that were an effect of the settlement, including hitting with the crown, the snapper can never be hit, and late hits.
• Argues that officials should be responsible for removing players suspected of concussions. they argue that if officials are trusted with this power, they should also be able to remove players who are bleeding.
• Opines that the issue of concussions spreads beyond the players alone. many rules and procedures have been manipulated to fit new research on brain traumas.
• Explains that the nfl announces rule changes. the nfl concussion litigation rss.
• Analyzes mcclement, john, mihoces, gary, pennington, bill, smith, stephanie, and smith.