Ex-players more worried about concussions than current ones
Jamal Anderson never was opposed to physical contact as a running back. (AP photo)
If football were all about the foot and the ball, we wouldn’t be here.
Defensive ends wouldn’t resemble 18-wheelers on the road to mayhem. Offensive linemen wouldn’t look for somebody to pancake on a screen play. Borderline psychos wouldn’t dangle $10,000 bounties as a means of motivation.
We’re here because football isn’t about merely the foot and the ball. It’s about collisions and who wins them. It’s about blocking and tackling and the ugliness, pain and too often the tragedy that goes with it. The NFL is facing 76 concussion-related lawsuits involving more than 2,150 former players. The numbers will continue to go up, and it’s not a stretch to suggest that how all of the cases are resolved could impact the league and the game like no issue before it.
The avalanche of litigation was a long time coming. We, the viewing public, have tended to minimize or completely ignore the potential effects of head trauma in collision sports because we embrace the violence. It’s exciting. It fuels our inner-caveman. Also, because it’s not our head.
The dichotomy is that no current NFL player is going to take a stand on concussions or the safety of the sport because they know what they signed up for. They get rich. They become famous. They love the game.
As former San Francisco lineman Randy Cross, a longtime Atlanta resident, said: “All of the guys who are playing say they accept the risks. But that’s easy to say when you’re 25 or 28. You’re probably out of the game for 20 years before the bill comes due.”
Cris Carter would confirm: Jessie Tuggle was as physical a player as there was in the NFL. (Celine Bufkin/AJC)
That is why head trauma is more of an issue among the alumni than active players. They’re the ones filing the lawsuits, focusing on improving player safety, charging that the league has covered up evidence about the long-term effects of concussions.
Sadly, it has taken tragedies involving retired players to bring this issue into national focus: The suicides of Junior Seau, Dave Duerson and former Falcons Shane Dronett and Ray Easterling.
The lawsuits involve dozens of former Falcons. A suit filed in federal court two weeks ago in Atlanta named 114 plaintiffs, including 29 former Falcons. Among them are two of their more popular former players: Jamal Anderson and Jessie Tuggle.
This won’t end the NFL. But it could — and should — mandate that players sit out games more often, even to the detriment of a team’s record. Rosters could be expanded, equipment made safer.
Change is overdue.
Anderson was a physical running back. He enjoyed the collisions. “I had a high-percentage of runs where I just ran into other guys,” he said.
He is paying the price. His problems aren’t major: headaches, sleeplessness. But, “The headaches are frequent enough that they cause me concern. Some days I wake up and everything is sore and I think, ‘Wait, I didn’t play the Rams yesterday.’”
Anderson’s greatest concern is the unknown of long-term effects, and he wants to make the game safer.
“I fully expect to have issues down the line,” he said. “I hear some of the horror stories, and I cross my fingers and just hope that’s not me one day.”
Tuggle was undersized for an NFL linebacker but hit like a behemoth. According to the Atlanta lawsuit, he “suffers from multiple past traumatic brain injuries with symptoms including, but not limited to, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, vision impairment, and depression.”
Tuggle said by phone he wanted to think about it before agreeing to an interview. A few days later, he declined via an email. But he wrote that he recently was in Kansas City for his son’s graduation and read a newspaper story about former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Art Still.
“It sounds just like my story and others,” Tuggle wrote. Still outlined similar post-career issues.
Cross has not yet joined one of the lawsuits. He has some post-career concussion symptoms, though he joked, “I’m 58, and I don’t know how much of it is just being 58.”
He has done a lot of research on head trauma and said one of the problems is “you can’t get anyone to agree on anything.” For example: What’s a concussion?
When asked how many concussions he had in his career, Cross said: “How do you define it? If you have to be knocked out, five times since high school. If we’re talking about being disoriented and wobbly going back to the huddle, probably 10 to 12 times a season.”
He played 13 seasons. Do the math.
Lining up for a play while still dizzy from the previous one was commonplace, he said.
“I’d sit to watch film on Mondays, and sometimes I was seeing a play for the first time.”
That may seem funny to us. But there are long-term and cumulative effects to those hits, and the NFL has ignored the issue for too long.
The blur of lawsuits seem to indicate the bill has come due.
By Jeff Schultz
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151 comments Add your comment
hmmmm
May 18th, 2012
4:14 pm
Just another reason the bozo generation of NFL steroid users shouldn’t get anything for complaints about their bodies.
Jeffrey
May 18th, 2012
4:33 pm
Im second and I’m in st Sebastian Spain. Can’t believe it. Never been anywhere near the top. Checking the ajc though and glad my iPad can get me some shultzie. Go ajc.
5150 UOAD
May 18th, 2012
4:52 pm
Current players are getting PAID and don’t think they will be Broke and Stupid like the old players. Like Teens to Twenty somethings They Don’t Think It Will Happen To Them. They want make the money now and SUE later for even more money.
5150 UOAD
May 18th, 2012
4:53 pm
jeffrey most people are on the plog about the NCAA Football Playoffs.
The Factor
May 18th, 2012
5:08 pm
Jeff,
Great article, & we need to see more. My son plays HS football & loves to hit. Do I worry about it, you bet. I wish he played on the golf or tennis team. I can’t let him live his life in fear but I do take every precaution to see that he has the best equipment available, particularly helmet, even if I purchase it myself. High School coaches need to be saturated with better knowledge.
5150 UOAD
May 18th, 2012
5:22 pm
The Factor…….high school coaches are teachers with Class work too. They help the kids get college offers. How MUCH time do you think a high school Teacher-Coach has? He has a Family too.
5150 UOAD
May 18th, 2012
5:24 pm
The Biggest RISK any American over 14 takes is to get behind the wheel of a car and drive. Should we sue automakers because WE choose to take that RISK? We could walk to work and football players could get another job.
Firsttimer
May 18th, 2012
5:35 pm
Jeff-I think you were very diplomatic in using the word “borderline” for the bounty hunters. I have sympathy for the former players suffering from post-related injuries, whether it be concussions or just trouble getting out of bed. However, I think this whole concussion thing is being blown way out of proportion by ex-players seeking to get back at the league. It is well documented that former players are not happy with the league’s pension plan, medical coverage, and several other issues. In the midst of this issue, we ignore the fact that Deion Sanders, Chris Carter, Jamie Dukes, and several others have lucrative jobs and do not appear to be suffering from ay football related issues. Should I include Joe Namath in the mix? My point being there are just as many former players who are not complaining that concussions are or ever were an issue from having played football. The media is blowing this thing up and using players who commit suicide as proof. Sad as it is, people commit suicide every day. Was it because of job related stress? Some things are no more than what they are. By the way, sometimes I have trouble getting out of bed; and I can tell Randy Cross that for me it is definitely just age.
The Factor
May 18th, 2012
6:00 pm
@5150, I get it, but my point is they are still way too uninformed to know and watch for symtons. I had a HS coach tell me last year that freshmen can’t hit hard enough yet to get a true concussion. This is so far from the truth.
Paul in NH
May 18th, 2012
6:24 pm
Jeff,
Nice blog. It will take a while to go through the court process but the NFL is going to pay big time on this one. They seem to have followed the lead of Big Tobacco when testing how their “product” can damage the users. The NFL formed a “concussion research committee” in 1994 and for years they published papers that there were no long term adverse effects.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/24/sports/football/duersons-son-sues-nfl-over-handling-of-concussions-that-led-to-suicide.html
Delbert D.
May 18th, 2012
6:52 pm
The NFL has covered up the long term effects? They have had a top neurology team for the past 25 years? This is a money grab.
Delbert D.
May 18th, 2012
7:05 pm
The current players aren’t worried because they are still on the gravy train. They plan to be worried 25 years from now, and then they will sue.
1eyedJack
May 18th, 2012
7:11 pm
When I was 20 years old I thought I would be 20 years old forever. With 32 additional years of experience and wisdom I have been able to overcome that notion. Every day I ache from past injury and am suffering from past vices.
Hillbilly D
May 18th, 2012
7:14 pm
Anybody who thinks there’s no long term effect from a concussion, has never had one.
Beast from the East
May 18th, 2012
7:32 pm
So can I sue my high school coach for letting me continue to play with a bone chip from my knee that was lodged in the cartilage? It has created back problems from favoring that knee that I’ve had to deal with for the past 25 years. If they don’t want the risk, then find another job. Not a single one of these folks were forced to play football professionally.
I agree with Delbert…money grab.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
May 18th, 2012
7:53 pm
Hey Jeff
Why doesn’t anyone at AJC write blogs about your franchise qb like you did the previous one?
Are you trying to protect his feelings?
I mean this is year 5 and way overdue for a playoff win.
Delbert D.
May 18th, 2012
8:04 pm
I broke the bone in my elbow playing HS football, practicing in the gym due to 4″ of snow in March. I can’t fully straighten my arm to this day, and I wake up sore in the morning. Unfortunately, the old barn has been torn down, so the evidence is gone. I went on to play 2 more years, but that shouldn’t keep me from suing somebody. I want my fair share!
Firsttimer
May 18th, 2012
8:08 pm
The Falcons are 0-3 in playoffs…not just Matt Ryan.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
May 18th, 2012
8:19 pm
Firsttimer
May 18th, 2012
8:08 pm
The Falcons are 0-3 in playoffs…not just Matt Ryan.
__________________________________________
So what you are saying is CHOKE should not get credit for the regular season win total?
So its true that Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez & Roddy White should get the credit.
Thanks for admitting that
But still the issue was why there are no blogs about him like the previous franchise qb.
Hell, the previous franchise qb has had more blogs on here after he left than CHOKE has had for his whole time here.
The Judge
May 18th, 2012
8:45 pm
If I am the judge in this (or the defense attorney for nfl), the first question I will ask of a player on the stand is: when and where did your first concussion occur? When they answer pee wee, high school, or college, I will then ask why those organizations aren’t party to the suit. I will then ask that the case be dismissed, since the obvious ploy of simply going after Deep Pockets is then exposed.
Disgusted
May 18th, 2012
9:05 pm
That is why you are not the judge in this one, thank god.
As for the old time players being broke, most of those old time players from the 70’s and early 80’s were not making that much money.
The players have a gripe, those owners made plenty of $$$$$$$ off their backs and thank GOD the players of today are getting a fair rate of compensation. Those old time players were used.
And that HS coach who said a freshman cannot hit hard enough to get a true concussion is an ignoramous, I don’t care what kind of a local legend he might be in his little town.
Good luck to the ex players, they made the game
Hillbilly D
May 18th, 2012
9:07 pm
I’m just an ol’ country boy but the times I’ve been in court, judges didn’t question the witnesses, that was the lawyers’ job.
Firsttimer
May 18th, 2012
9:15 pm
@Matt “Choke” Ryan-What I am saying is as simple as, “The Falcons should get credit for the regular season wins and the playoff losses.
biz
May 18th, 2012
9:26 pm
““I’d sit to watch film on Mondays, and sometimes I was seeing a play for the first time.”
That may seem funny to us.”
About as funny as the “Jacked Up” segment. Attitudes change pretty quickly once people start shooting themselves in the chest.
Matt
May 18th, 2012
9:50 pm
Shultz hits the nail on the head: more rest; better technology. It’s that simple.
The technology is here – http://www.guardiancaps.com – keeping the players safe starts at the youth level and starts with all the hits they take during practice. They need more protection!
Sage of Bluesland
May 18th, 2012
10:33 pm
What about those who never make it to the NFL–which is the vast majority of players. Will the colleges be held accountable and be sued? High schools?
Sign waivers or don’t play. It’s a free country. Suing the NFL is like the suits against big tobacco.
Delbert D.
May 18th, 2012
10:35 pm
Our helmets of the early to mid 1960s had no padding for the skull except for the forehead and ears. A suspension web of approximately 2″ woven straps fitted the head and kept the plastic shell off the skull. Shock was transmitted through the straps to the skull, with the worst being the top center, where the straps joined The common practice of the time was for the stand-up defensive end to hit the top of the offensive end’s helmet with a smashing blow with the heel of both hands at the snap of the ball to disorient him. This practice was completely with the rules of the GHSA. You could feel each one of those blows down your spine. It was not uncommon for things to get a bit dark.
5150 UOAD
May 18th, 2012
10:53 pm
Disgusted…………those 70’s-80’s players were still making more than the average employee at most companies. It is not our fault they wanted to live the High Life Now instead of saving & investing for the future. Hell look at how much they make now. Still many many pro athletes are broke or owe more than they now make and file for bankruptcy. I am really crying for all the pro athletes that had sex with the most beautiful women, have multiple kids, drive a Ferrari, have houses in 2 or 3 cities, eat at the finest restaurants, travel all over the world and now they HURT from the game. I am Crying my Freaking eyes out for them.
Dongle
May 18th, 2012
11:29 pm
This lawsuit will never be taken seriously as long as entitlement guys like Ryan Stewart – who was basically in the NFL for 2 years as a backup- pile on. I view this as a complete money grab from guys like Ryan who’s careers are not doing well and/or are over. The world owes me something…….
Doc
May 18th, 2012
11:36 pm
What I a concussion is simple. Grade one is a headache after a blow to the head. I lived with headaches after practice in high school. The damage starts early. Also heading in soccer is significant trauma. The brain is like tofu hitting against bone a each jarring hit has it’s toll.
Several years ago I talked with one of the atlanta greats about the problem. He was in denial until he say john Mackey. He changed his mind after that.
Simple answer but expensive anyone participating In one of these sports needs neuropsyche tests done at regular intervals. Any significant changes should come with early treatment just like having a bone broken on the field os sprain gets appropriate treatment. This is a horrendous tragedy that is perpetrated on american males.
5150 UOAD
May 18th, 2012
11:37 pm
Dongle…..I don’t think it is the Ryan Stewart’s of the NFL but the Terrell Owen’s “Too Rich to now be Broke” players that really need the money.
5150 UOAD
May 18th, 2012
11:41 pm
DOC….put down the Ether and proofread before you hit send.
Doc
May 19th, 2012
12:02 am
5150 get over it
SawThat1nce
May 19th, 2012
12:02 am
Young, dumb, and full of you know what.
A lot of people think that they are indestructable when they are young.
Doc
May 19th, 2012
12:06 am
iPhone’s with touch screens are hell with autofills. You type something and it changes it. If you aren’t able to figure it out so be it but I expect as a tech man you can. Sorry, but I have lost many a post working to get it perfect. I commend you if you are perfect on touch screens but in the over sixty crowd I ain’t got it nor will I ever.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
12:12 am
DOC your post made very little sense with all the mistakes.
Doc
May 19th, 2012
12:15 am
http://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/concussion-grading-guidelines-abandoned-in-favor-of-symptom-based-approach-to-return-to-play
Simple stuff anyone here can do without error and unequivocal
Got it 5150.
Doc
May 19th, 2012
12:22 am
Here is why even a headache resolving within 15 minutes is significant for no further play
http://ajs.sagepub.com/content/32/1/47.short
Ignorance is devastating is all I am saying
As someone alluded to this starts early probably before high school and many young men are being devastated before they get there
I am saying wak up just as I was to one of the falcon greats five years ago as he was very involved in vet player issues.
Doc
May 19th, 2012
12:28 am
5150 from what you wrote, you have missed the point. this doesn’t start with the rich in the pros but at little high schools all across the nation. Get your head out of the hole and wise up. This is what has buried this problem and what frightens me. This isn’t about piling on and getting rich but about making sure people know the risks before they are playing for money and simply playing in front of some idiot following his high school team like it was the pros.
Doc
May 19th, 2012
12:31 am
5150 the more I retread your comments I see how uninformed you are. It is very sad you don’t get the extent of the problem and how the youth and males in particular are undeserved and unprotected. You got it yet or did I make too many mistakes for you to not get it though your narrow minded and blind attitude that seems to only make it as all about money?
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
12:32 am
Doc I don’t think anybody doesn’t think the head injuries are serious. The thing is that the Players chose to play the game for the money and do not deserve to sue the NFL. Should every Service Person that was injured during WAR have the right to SUE the US Government for injuries? We know War is dangerous but we send people to do it because it is the job they Chose to do. Soldiers get paid a lot less to DIE than Football players do to get head injuries. The game of Football is not going to go away.
Doc
May 19th, 2012
12:33 am
Am I making sense yet to you yet 5150?
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
12:38 am
DOC if you are a doctor then you also know the sport that causes the most trips to the emergency room and surgeries is not football but Cheer leading and Gymnastics. Girls can’t really go PRO to get paid in that sport but they hurt their lil girl bodies for life. Who do they SUE for doing something they love that causes them pain for life?
Doc
May 19th, 2012
12:39 am
With these law suits the game of football may go away if it doesn’t wake up. Pop Warner football will be at risk as will every high school program going forward. Brain injuries don’t heal dude is the bottom line and folks need to wake up to that and that message was not out there in the 70 and 80’s. A bell ring was a badge of courage not a fractured leg and you got back up and out there as soon as you could walk in my time.
Football coaches up and down the levels of play are stupid on this and want to remain ignorant as long as they can because of the obvious ramifications of it. We all have to wake up to it or football may be over as law suits begin to fill up. The is one very important one for college being played out now, high school will be soon to follow.
JSS
May 19th, 2012
12:42 am
Don’t worry Sage, your precious colleges were indemnified by Congress back in the 1910s in regards to injuries and deaths (with the rare exceptions when it is a “pattern of deceit” in their practices (not the practice as a physical event, but the actions in their performances, a per se violation)… It would take a long a concerted effort to pull that lawsuit off (I mean a tobacco industry like suit) – that would mean all states Attorneys-General working “together” for years to get it done… You know that is not going to happen in the South (Southern colleges are mostly large state institutions!… They are all in the same flea bitten bed!
Doc
May 19th, 2012
12:47 am
5150 I treated a female volleyball player for visual difficulties and got her back to seeing again clearly after her second event in one month left her vision fuzzy. The coach wanted her back out there as quickly as possible and the family wanted her playing in the state playoffs as she was a junior and they wanted a scholarship for her. In spite of my warnings they went ahead and I strongly suggested some kind of a head gear and of course this was not heeded
I thing the data is skewed that you use since most footballers don’t get to the er if they are still walking. The point is also you don’t have to lose consciousness to get a concussion if you read one of the scholarly articles I left for your edification. It is irrelevant about who gets to the er as that is a spurious numerator as the true denominator is an unknown if you catch my meaning there.
Yesi was a trauma surgeon for further reference.
Doc
May 19th, 2012
12:47 am
5150 I treated a female volleyball player for visual difficulties and got her back to seeing again clearly after her second event in one month left her vision fuzzy. The coach wanted her back out there as quickly as possible and the family wanted her playing in the state playoffs as she was a junior and they wanted a scholarship for her. In spite of my warnings they went ahead and I strongly suggested some kind of a head gear and of course this was not heeded
I thing the data is skewed that you use since most footballers don’t get to the er if they are still walking. The point is also you don’t have to lose consciousness to get a concussion if you read one of the scholarly articles I left for your edification. It is irrelevant about who gets to the er as that is a spurious numerator as the true denominator is an unknown if you catch my meaning there.
Yesi was a trauma surgeon for further reference.
JSS
May 19th, 2012
12:47 am
Never use a point of an individual suing a government entity (a State or a Federal government) as an example regarding monetary lawsuits. It can only happen if the Government gives legislative permission to do so…
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
12:51 am
DOC……..What about Snow Skiing/Boarding? Go Cart Racing? Bicycle Racing? Motor Cycle Racing? Golden Gloves Boxing? Karate? Skate Boarding? Name anything a KID loves to do and they can get head injuries doing it. People are not that stupid. Maybe the Doctors and Scientists didn’t have all the Tests to Prove it but Common Sense tells you getting knocked out or a hit to the head is DANGEROUS. Sue the MMA promoters sue Don King too. People don’t need it written down I don’t think. I think people still have enough Common Sense to know what is Dangerous.
Doc
May 19th, 2012
12:55 am
5150 one other thing, I have seen many a ct scan that shows absolutely nothing and have gone back to the neuro intensive care unit and looked at someone in a vegetative state on a ventilator being fed by tubes and there is no obvious reason why. If you haven’t heard me I am saying wake up to the problem and many young people are being injured. I doubt cheerleaders are as much risk for these injuries but some of the things they are doing without any safety precautions are stupid. OSHA would have a hey day. Why are we risking our youth?
Doc
May 19th, 2012
12:57 am
Problem is football is a school or county sanctioned event in a huge scale. 5150 I am not sure what you are arguing now. Do you buckle up before you drive?
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
1:04 am
Doc…A Life lived without taking Risks isn’t much of a Life now is it? Video Games cause censures too.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
1:08 am
So the Schools & Counties are to blame. Schools in winter areas Play High School Hockey and have Ski teams.
Buckling up is great but Airbags can cause brain damage too and they are Government mandated. Cops don’t have to wear Seat belts.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
1:10 am
Buckle up to drive well we need to make a Law that you have to have everybody in a car wear a helmet too.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
1:17 am
Doc….Loud music can cause hearing damage. I guess we should stop Bands in all schools and colleges too.
Doc
May 19th, 2012
1:20 am
5150 I have skied some of the steepest chutes and slopes in Taos ski valley and alta Utah only reached by hiking to them. I was at much greater risk as a high school sophomore playing center against an all city linebacker weighing 50 pounds more than me hammering my head with his huge forearms at each practice. Every night I had a headache as my 175 pounds didn’t match up to his 225 which in 65 was huge and a significant disadvantage. This happens every day and the long term damage of repeated daily concussions like in boxing that puts folks at risks that really people are just now coming to grips with.
As I stated neuropsyche testing should be part of any physical exam in any contact sport before and after seasons to assure injuries don’t go unrecognized as bruised brains won’t show except in functional exams. Be proactive. Seems you got some antipathy there coming forward as well and not sure why towards players who really were never given this info during their careers like my favorite john Mackey who died from head trauma insults showing as Alzheimer’s.
Your own views show significant ignorance to the scope of the problem or certainly what needs to be done to protect kids from permanent injury. Do you think this should be ignored in the young who are at greater risk for permanent injury? What do you want, nothing?
Doc
May 19th, 2012
1:23 am
5150 I get it, the damage is already done.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
1:34 am
Doc I understand your arguments. You are a great example because you survived and are smart enough to have gone through medical school. Muhammad Ali is whatever he is but George Foreman is basically fine. George burns Smoked most of his life and he lived to be 100. Some people take the risk and are OK others take the Risk and are not. It is no reason to SUE because a person used their God Given FREE WILL and it turned out bad for some and not for others. Coaches in Lil Leagues need to teach proper form in tackling YES. Maybe LESS safety equipment is needed like rugby. With More Equipment the Invincible Feeling has grown not reduced.
Doc
May 19th, 2012
2:38 am
5150 I was arguing to education of the masses to the true devastation of these injuries that are not seen on the surface, are very subtle but extremely obvious if you pay attention. Your arguments belittled these thoughts and not sure even now what your point was. I am promoting intelligent inquiry. Against this falcon was just like you in denying its relevance until he spent some time with Mackey. That experience raised his level of interest and now five years later this has become a very hot item that all wanted to sweep under the rug.
As far as George foreman, I doubt he is as all right as you say he is. His power of reasoning and judgment is suspect to me. Ali is the example of head trauma at its worst. Listen to these guys as they talk of their football injuries. Those from the battleground are a troubling sequelae as well beyond just shell shock though a form of it. I now am in alternative medicine treating these folks as well or doing my best to and the gains are small but hopefully their lives can be resumed in some small way.
Head trauma has been a particular interest of mine for over twenty five years now. It is something I won’t back down on or away from. What is going on in the nfl is necessary and will filter down to force lower levels to be aware of the risks or risk personal losses themselves.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
2:57 am
Jessie Tuggle’s part in this lawsuit should be immediately dismissed. If JESSIE is so concerned then WHY is his Son STILL Playing College Football? WHY is Jessie 100% behind his son moving to Defense so he can get on the field MORE? Less than 6 months after Justin switched positions to play more Jessie SUES because the Game is too Dangerous? Jessie MAKE YOUR SON STOP PLAYING FOOTBALL RIGHT NOW or STFU.
http://www.bcinterruption.com/2012/1/1/2675428/justin-tuggle-the-son-of-former-atlanta-falcons-linebacker-jessie
Justin Tuggle, the son of former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jessie Tuggle, revealed Sunday that he made the switch to defense two weeks ago. “I think it’s a positive thing, because it’s a way for me to possibly get on the field,” Tuggle said. “I know my father said he was excited about it but that’s mainly because he knows this is what I want. He always backs me up, 100 percent. I’m sure he’ll have more advice for me in the future.”
Tuggle started his career at Boston College and spent one season at Blinn College, a Texas junior college, before landing at Kansas State. He has been the Wildcats’ third-string quarterback behind Collin Klein and Sammuel Lamur all season.
Tuggle’s only action this year has been on special teams.”I feel like if I was to dwell on negative things, that wouldn’t do me any good,” Tuggle said. “The only way anybody is ever able to be able to be successful is to work through failure, to not give up.”
Former Quarterback Justin Tuggle on switch to linebacker
I know Larry Morris and he is in very bad shape with Alzheimer’s but Football made a very good life for his Family. His son Shan played at Auburn too. How Many of the NFL players Suing have Sons or Nephews playing right now that are not FORCING family members to STOP PLAYING FOOTBALL immediately?
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
3:08 am
Doc….part of my point is that if it is so Bad then WHY does these Old NFL players still let their kids play? Why do they want to work for ESPN to make money talking about a Game that is too dangerous?
Doc I know it is dangerous and maybe the Whole truth wasn’t know years ago, but SO WHAT. It sux that these Men chose a dangerous job but it is what life is all about. Maybe now that players know more they will not PARTY all their money away they make playing ball and keep some for their old age care.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
3:18 am
We will now Fight All WARs on Video games. Football will be a Video Game Only Sport too. Anything in Life that is dangerous will now be made on a Video game for us to experience it by. Madden World Championship Football will be the ONLY FOOTBALL that can exist on the Planet. The best thumb and finger football player in every state can win a Video Football Superbowl Ring and we can bet on it in Vegas.
The Factor
May 19th, 2012
5:17 am
@5150
Why are you so pinheadish tonite? The fact remains, as the Doc said, too many people coaching are uninformed. Kids, even at the jr high level, do not pull themselves from practice or games due to peer pressure and potential loss of playing time. It starts that young. Coaches must act like parents to the younger crowd to get the message across about the dangers of not sitting out. Too many don’t because of their own peer pressure and job stability.
Dalton Trumbo
May 19th, 2012
8:05 am
Some people take the risk and are OK others take the Risk and are not. It is no reason to SUE because a person used their God Given FREE WILL and it turned out bad for some and not for others.
I have to agree with that. Your life is about taking informed risks. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
Wha???
May 19th, 2012
8:21 am
JS, Has Ray Easternling’s death been ruled a suicide? I missed that.
I feel for the players that are legitimately injured. Just as I am the car wreck victim who chose not to wear a seatbelt. The injuries were inevitable, but one has empathy for them all the same.
I’m not sure that I buy into the players suing the league for something that any moron, regardless of medical training, would have known was a bad idea….playing with multiple concussions. The league covered it up, maybe. My point is that the grown men could not have been blind to the possibility of long term problems, and now, having accepted the terms during their career, are trying to have it both ways by suing the league.
BMOC
May 19th, 2012
8:44 am
I think Jamal’s sleeplessness may be attributed to peruvian marching powder.
Dongle
May 19th, 2012
9:03 am
@5150- Alot more Ryan Stewart types on the lawsuit than TO types. At least TO played long enough to possibly have a case. Ryan and others like him are clearly piling on for a pay day.
Jay Dawg
May 19th, 2012
9:12 am
The technology is here to lessen the risk of this occurring. I do not understand why professional teams/players who have the money do not implement a technology such as Guardian Caps. A softer shell lessens impact similar to safer barriers in NASCAR. That just seems like common sense. I’ve been reading the exchange between Doc and 5150. It all boils down to me to understanding the risks and deciding whether or not to take them. I get the point about being young and seemingly invincible as we all were. I think we are starting to understand more of the risks related to head impact trauma than ever before. If the rewards are great enough somebody will be willing to take the risks. The reward might be making millions, college scholarship or just winning period.
bali
May 19th, 2012
9:18 am
football is a violent game..from the time a kid puts on the shoulder pads he is subject to getting hit…i just do not see how you can make the game that much safer without changing the whole structure of the game..improved helmets, keeping players out of games, better coaching of tackling techniques all may help, but injuries are going to happen…saw on tv the other night that girls soccer has seen a dramatic increase in head injuries, but have read nothing on headgear for soccer or changing the structure of the game…guess i am a caveman because i love football..the big hit is a part of the game..i feel sorry for the former players having problems today but lifetime injuries are sometime the result of playing a sport they love..
Delbert D.
May 19th, 2012
9:25 am
Some schools used helmets with a foam pad on the outside from front to back in the early 1960s; Oklahoma and Duke were 2, as I recall. The technology wasn’t there yet, as those plastic coated pads didn’t slip when contact was made. It appears that the technology is better, based on that Guardian product.
I think the most effective helmet would be one that absorbs serious impact by crushing, which is the technology used on the better motorcycle helmets. The one I have is the Z1R helmet, which won awards as one of the best at protecting from impact, yet it is one of the least expensive full face helmets out there. When the test reports were release, there was a rush that exceeded supply to buy those helmets.
This technology is available at reasonable cost, yet a large segment of the motorcycle enthusiasts ignore it and use “brain buckets”, which look cool in their opinion but conform to the minimum extent to the safety requirements. They typically do not wear armored kevlar jackets and gloves, either. It clearly is a matter of choice and group conformity.
JSS
May 19th, 2012
9:30 am
George Foreman has been one of the most vocal advocates regarding head trauma among boxers… Don’t get it twisted… He’s been publically advocating for changes to round length, the qualifications of ring side physicians, medical qualifications for trainers and referees, (and gasp) the mandatory use of MRIs and imagery scan on boxers throughout their AAU/Olympic careers to track their health… He’s been advocating mandatory headgear use in professional fights as well since the early 90s…
Doodaddy57
May 19th, 2012
9:54 am
Doc and 5150: get a room already.
JSS
May 19th, 2012
9:55 am
And the saddest thing all of this back and forth “about personal choice” is that you’ve missed the key component of the former players suit. That point is the concerted efforts by NFL teams and by use of their training staffs in minimizing the effects of these traumas and by the overuse of painkillers. This is what is going to be contested… And the NFL is doing their best to suppress 30 years of brain science and sorry to inform on this one POAD; the NFL collectively bargained agreement with the owners does not indemnify the NFL from the same workplace responsibilities that have existed since the Nixon administration… Guess what? They choose to ignore their responsibilities, time to pay the piper! Workers and owners do not bear the same legal responsibilities…
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
10:06 am
JSS……….over Boxing it think MMA type fighting is the most Violent sport there is at this time. They use almost every type a of blow to the head you can imagine.
The solution to me is Yes better coaching for the youth on Blocking & Tackling with Reduced Safety Equipment.
As equipment has Improved so has the Players ability to more violently hurl their Bigger and Faster Bodies at one another.
I don’t know the numbers but how does Rugby & Aussie Rules Football compare on the Injury front to American Football?
If we allowed Better technique to be taught to the young with more padding then gradually reduce the safety equipment as children get older and better so that when they are pros they have minimal Helmets and Shoulder Pads maybe the injuries would go down.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
10:14 am
JSS…..I get that owners were not doing everything in the best interest of the players, but you can’t tell me that the player was so STUPID to not know they were hurt. Players could say NO more at some point. The players could have decided at ANYTIME to stop. The players IMO could say NO and go get a regular job at any point, but they chose to continue to play.
Paul in NH
May 19th, 2012
10:14 am
If workers in a chemical plant or paper mill are injured by dangerous substances through the neglect of their employers – and their employers even claim that the substances are non harmful – people would be rightly up in arms. Make it the NFL and fans claim the players knew what they were in for and their employers are not liable.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
10:29 am
Paul in NH….I understand what you said but again WHO doesn’t have enough Common Sense to Know that Using your head as a Battering Ram is bad for your brain?
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
10:44 am
Even given all the Facts there will be plenty of players that will sign up to take the risk for the Life Style and $$$ NFL players make.
Remember in Sea Biscuit when RED was hurt? He didn’t tell anyone he was Blind in one eye because he wasted to compete. He wanted to be a jockey. There ate Thousands of kids that would still want to play football. NFL football money has changed many poor families lives dramatically over the past 50 years. Many a Father or Son has sacrificed a lot for the betterment of his family and I truly believe these players would do it again if they were put in the exact same situation. Many were given a chance at College they never would have had. Many were able to set their Mothers up in homes, business and/or never work again. Many were able to marry or bed the most beautiful women in the world and without the NFL that would never have happened. I don’t see MANY of these players ever turning down those chances even if they knew All the risks.
Beast from the East
May 19th, 2012
11:37 am
Paul in NH,
I always respect your well thought out opinions, but don’t you think this is just a money grab? If I’m not mistaken, during last year’s lockout, the NFLPA never brought up player safety at all.
When does this stop? Are we all going to try and use our Pop Warner coaches, high schools, etc? I’m not saying the NFL did not turn a blind eye, but so did every single one of those players. They bear as much or more of the blame. Why? Because they just wanted to GET PAID for playing a game…instead of having to go out into the real world to earn a living. Now, after taking millions in compensation, they want to cry FOUL!?!? I call BS.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
11:40 am
BEAST…………if it were so BAD then why is Jessie Tuggle allowing his son to still play college football after he decided to join the Lawsuit? Jessie wants MONEY and he still wants his boy to play in the NFL for the $$$ too.
JSS
May 19th, 2012
11:45 am
It is not about stupidity, it is about “responsibilities!” In legal matters (which this now is), one does not overrule that other… You know that the producer of product causes A, a long term causation effect, even if B (the player) knows it gives you brain damage, then party A knows that they have responsibility to care for party B in that event.
JSS
May 19th, 2012
11:50 am
The NFLPA brought up player safety time after time… There were more than two parties at the table, the NFLPA Alumni are always in the mix because a large part of player dues go to administration of the retirement trust and the long-term medical care instrument of the CBA. They filed friend of court motions in the district and in the appeals court…
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
11:54 am
JSS……….we have become too ready to SUE. It is this entitlement attitude. The PLAYER didn’t have to Buy the Producers product. Take RESPONSIBILITY for your Choices. Should every Alcoholic be able to SUE the Producer for legal fees and court costs for DUI’s? The Producer knows that Alcoholics can’t say NO and the Alcoholic knows he can’t say NO but after a few drinks the Alcoholic can no longer make rational decisions to not DRIVE so the Producer is just as much to blame right?
wxwax
May 19th, 2012
12:00 pm
Nice job, Jeff.
JSS
May 19th, 2012
12:07 pm
Oh get off that libertarian line, this nation is no more litigious than it has always been since the founding. Now, it is only a matter that injured parties actually get their day in court now… Hey, the NFL owners are a nearly trillion dollar venture… If they’ve done no wrong, the courts will find in their favor… Problem is, that case is a loser! They lied… They got caught in the lie… That is what happens, they could have taken care of this in 1975 when it was first put on their plate… Instead they acted like the Tobacco companies did and now it is going to cost them big…
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
12:15 pm
JSS add to the lawsuit all the media outlets over the years that Helped to SELL FOOTBALL as a great game and way to make a living. If Football wasn’t Written about and Showed on TV people wouldn’t have made it so popular and such a money maker that FORCED those poor players to Have to play the game. LOL
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
12:18 pm
SUE the equipment makers too. Their products must not do their job very well. Like Tobacco Advertisers said it was safe Riddell said their helmets protect/reduce against head injuries.
JSS
May 19th, 2012
12:31 pm
They aren’t the “producer” only the exploiting end-user party… Big difference, and equipment makers have a built-in liability waiver. The NFL does not… Equipment does not assure you will not get injured… Big difference…
JSS
May 19th, 2012
12:38 pm
By the way, alcohol producers pass along their liability to the end-user… Ask anyone who runs a bar or has party where alcohol is served… That is why liability insurance is sold…
Personal Responsibility
May 19th, 2012
12:48 pm
I think the NFL players need to take personal responsibility here. They got paid well, lived large and not want to get paid again. I say no way. They knew the risks and should now deal with it.
Take Junior Seau for instance. He played 20 years in the League. It sounds to me what he could not handle was losing his fame. In addition to the money and girls that come with their NFL fame, I think many NFL players also struggle with the loss of structure and programming in their lives once the game is over. After having many people kiss their feet since high school, they wake up and realize what am I supposed to do today. My answer is welcome to the real world, buddy. Unless you have saved your money where you don’t have to work, find a job with some structure and get after it.
Paul in NH
May 19th, 2012
12:59 pm
Beast,
Thanks for the compliment. Perhaps this is a money grab on the part of some of the ex-players but unless you can read minds it’s hard to attribute motives.
There is a huge difference between Pop Warner, High School and the NFL. The NFL is a multi-billion dollar business. Heck, they make money selling videos of the “greatest hits”. Management has just as much a duty to protect their employees from being hurt on the job as at any other company – and it doesn’t matter how well compensated they are. If one of my employees became dizzy from solvent fumes and I just told him to shake it off and sent him back to his job I could go to jail. If I ignored years of evidence concerning hazards on the job my company would be shut down.
JSS
May 19th, 2012
1:06 pm
Exactly… @ 12:59PM
dtanner
May 19th, 2012
1:13 pm
players knew of risk’s,now old and broke and looking to sue,and a bunch of ambulance chasing crooked money grubbing lawyers enabling them
redcoat
May 19th, 2012
1:20 pm
Their equipment should be taken away……….they’re using it now just to hit harder, not be safer. ????????
Beast from the East
May 19th, 2012
1:41 pm
Paul in NH,
My problem is that all of them knew there were health risks involved before they ever signed their contracts. You can’t rape the willing. I believe both sides ignored the problem and both sides profited from it. Now they want to place all the blame on the owners. I’d be happy with some new safety rules and more dollars kicked to the pension funds for the ex-players, but not a huge settlement soley out of the owners’ pockets.
They can turn it into touch football and the players will be playing for the love of the game because no one will pay to see it.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
1:44 pm
Football Players can’t be protected from INJURY. Yes if they are knocked stupid they should sit but the Hit that caused them to be knocked stupid in the first place IS THE GAME. All the Safety equipment in the world will not stop Injuries on the football field. All the technology has not stopped Collateral Damage in War and it never will. So a player gets a head injury and he stops playing for the rest of the game then can he sue if he is OK to play the next game and it happens again?
Write in in the contract that if a player get a concussion then the team can FIRE him only having to pay him the rest of that seasons salary. Long term contracts are VOID once a player has a concussion and see how many players say NO WAY. If you are not able to Play then you don’t get paid.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
2:04 pm
Would this work?
Cut the salaries in half(3yr max contract length), double the number of players/team and Maximum plays ANY player can play is 30/game. That should reduce injuries, the need to play hurt and let more college kids play in the NFL.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
2:12 pm
As of the end of the 2009 NFL season, the average number of plays in an NFL game for each team is between 60 and 70 plays or 120-140 combined between the two (2) teams.
So make the MAX plays a player can play a game is 40.
Paul in NH
May 19th, 2012
2:21 pm
Beast,
I agree with you that both sides ignored the problem and profited from it. We’ll have to agree to disagree about who is paying the price.
Shankit
May 19th, 2012
2:32 pm
Area 229 Valdosta.State Girl’s softball team plays UC San Diego at four o’clock this afternoon for national championship, just in case any of you area 704 fans care.
fan
May 19th, 2012
2:36 pm
I have stopped watching pro football due to the brain injuries. And I was a rabid fan. I bet I’m not the only one who has given up the game. I felt too guilty watching it. I still watch college football. I lie to myself that the young players aren’t having their lives ruined. I should give that up too. Reminds me of The Hunger Games. Thank goodness for baseball.
Fan of the Game
May 19th, 2012
2:39 pm
Sue, sue, sue, and sue, that is society now. Remember many of these NFL guys are ones that always had everything given to them, never went to class and were suppose to be student/athletes. They are still hunting handouts because that is how many of these have survived. They knew the consequences when they played. Kind of like smoking and getting cancer and then blaming the tobacco companies. I feel for the families and the players that have suffered. But how many soldiers, coal miners, 9/11 victims and many others have suffered because of the work place?
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
2:44 pm
Shankit…..Lady Jackets on ESPN3.com at 4:30 sorry have to follow lady jackets after the Guys are done. Have to beat Miami to get in the ACC tourney or wait for UNC to beat VT.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
2:48 pm
Fan of the game…………I posted that about jessie Tuggle and his son still playing as a Sr at K St. He moved to Defence to get on the field more. HAHA so Jessie wants money but isn’t stopping his kid from playing and trying to get some NFL money.
Hypocrite.
Fan of the Game
May 19th, 2012
3:41 pm
Like I said many of these are use to handouts and they still want them. Like the feeloaders of this country. Guess what many of these young players’ parents want the money more than the players.
Fan of the Game
May 19th, 2012
3:44 pm
YOu know what I have taught school for 30 years and had to be put on blood pressure medicine but I am not trying to sue the DOE. I know it comes with the job.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
3:54 pm
FAN ot Game did you read all the posts?
If these people that think football is HARD and Dangerous were the first settlers or the West Boomers the US will still be nothing but buffalo and Indians.
could be
May 19th, 2012
4:43 pm
I believe the basis (at least for older, lesser paid players) for most of the lawsuit is about knowledge of injury from league and team officials and pressure put on players to “get back in game” as quickly as possible for fear of losing job otherwise.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
4:49 pm
could be………….you are right…..BUT what was the other option? Not playing Getting Cut and not getting a paycheck?
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
6:07 pm
MANY of you sound like the DADDY that had their LIL Princess get Knocked-Up and want to BLAME the guy. If the GUY didn’t R.A…E her guess what ? SHE was willing to TAKE THAT RISK just like the NFL players.
5150 UOAD
May 19th, 2012
6:09 pm
He KNOCKED her Up and owes her very little cause she was complicit in the ACT.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
May 19th, 2012
6:13 pm
Mr. Charlie are you here?
Ken Stallings
May 20th, 2012
1:45 am
The real unanswered question for me is whether concussions are more commonplace now or whether the former players are less accepting of the consequences?
Helmets are supposedly a lot more effective at head protection than those used even as late as the 70’s. So, did we simply never hear about players who ended their careers back then who suffered the same or worse than we are hearing about these players from the 80’s and 90’s?
The game was played rougher in most respects back then. Head slaps during the 60’s and 70’s on the line were a common practice. Those plastic shell helmets with little more than canvas straps inside were a lot less protective than what is worn today.
I think perhaps the analysis of the situation ought to report on that some.
brookings
May 20th, 2012
2:55 am
Matt “choke” guy: Starting to smell some Colored -Boy hatin at 7:53 on the 18th…hmmm
Nativebird
May 20th, 2012
7:20 am
Ok….then what about “former” highschoolers? College? Like those players never endured concusiions? So what we have evidence that one MUST have played pro football to have concussion related illnesses? Hogwash. Like all things related to pro football….. This too is about the money. And let’s be real…..Americans go to the races to see the wrecks. The violence IS the draw in pro football. Americans pay because we want to see bigger than life, the hero that straps himself into the rocket, that defies danger, and does what none of us mere mortals can do. Mark my words, you remove the danger from the NFL? That will be the beginning of the end. Risk of Injury and death is indeed what they signed up for….AND risk of post retirement brain related life issues. That’s why they make $11M a year. It is violent.
Disgusted
May 20th, 2012
8:19 am
“Disgusted…………those 70’s-80’s players were still making more than the average employee at most companies. It is not our fault they wanted to live the High Life Now instead of saving & investing for the future. Hell look at how much they make now. Still many many pro athletes are broke or owe more than they now make and file for bankruptcy. I am really crying for all the pro athletes that had sex with the most beautiful women, have multiple kids, drive a Ferrari, have houses in 2 or 3 cities, eat at the finest restaurants, travel all over the world and now they HURT from the game. I am Crying my Freaking eyes out for them”
5150—For what those guys did I hope they made more than the average working employee, they sure put plenty of entertainment $$$$$ into the hands of their owners.
As for the high dumb living, I think you are seeing more of that with today;s athletes, its like every other walk of life, some people can handle money, others are fools with money.
Some of those old time players did iinvest well if they had anything left over, some were making $30-40,000 a yr and after taxes did not have a heck of alot left. And the pension benefits were paltry, but none of it is worth giving up your life for. The league could have set up insurance benefits to deal with injuries after football.
I remember one case when Drew Pearson got into a wreck in the off season and his career was over and the Cowboys would not pay him the last yr on his contract. This was a star receiver who for all he did for that team, they would not pay him the measly $100,000 that he had on his contract (the yr was 1983 or 84). That is how the players were treated then. As good as Roger Stauback was, his top salary was about 125 K.
I don’t know how legit the suit is or how much knowledge the league and teams had over this, but I don’t envy anyone who has a true legitimate brain related injury from the hits those guys took back in the day.
Those guys got used, it was not until after Free Agency the NFL players really got fairly compensated for what they do.
The game of football has used chewed up, used up and spat out people alive when there was no more use fr them and that includes levels below the NFL. What some of those college coaches do is a disgrace, the oversigning and other stuff.
Before free agency it was freedom for the owners and management, and little negotiating room for the players (unles the player was a star and could afford a long holdout).
.
5150 UOAD
May 20th, 2012
10:27 am
Good Article on LEVENS documentary about Concussions.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/levens-completing-nfl-documentary-1441131.html
It sounds like the players NFL contracts need to be Half paid to the player and Half into an Account for their future. It seems they don’t save enough to take care of themselves & their families after football when the PAIN starts.
Sounds like the teams need twice as many players getting paid half as much and 40 plays per game max participation.
falconfan58
May 20th, 2012
11:10 am
Current players and prospects are either trying to keep a job or get one. Ex-players are trying to stay alive and remember everyday happenings as well as past events.
Fan of the Game
May 20th, 2012
1:41 pm
Good, maybe they will finally stop spring football. What a joke!
Steroid stupor
May 20th, 2012
3:55 pm
I have yet to read any article or news story on this issue that takes into account the widespread use of steroids and supplements in the NFL. Why is that not taken into consideration ?
dave vitter
May 20th, 2012
4:23 pm
hey schultzie wanna watch me take a dump in a diaper?
JSS
May 20th, 2012
5:24 pm
Steroid stupor
May 20th, 2012
3:55 pm
“I have yet to read any article or news story on this issue that takes into account the widespread use of steroids and supplements in the NFL. Why is that not taken into consideration?”
Wow, where have you been? You’re way late to the party on that http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/commentary/news/story?id=5788705!
JSS
May 20th, 2012
5:24 pm
That was 2010 by the way…
Steroid stupor
May 20th, 2012
5:54 pm
J$$
That was a good article, but it predates the lawsuit, therefore it could not put it all in context of the lawsuit.
There will be some serious depositions taken and witness stand swearing by parties to the lawsuit, all these guys will have to talk about their performance enhancing habits.
I missed what party?
Which side of the issue are you on?
doc
May 20th, 2012
5:59 pm
5150. here is the root of the problem and one i referred to and you laughed off referring to cheerleaders being in the er for more injuries and i might add injuries they can usually heal from. folks head trauma doesnt heal, it only scars down and gets progressively worse much later in life. this is from a very good article in the ajc:
“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 55,000 cases of traumatic brain injury — concussions mostly — per year throughout all of high school football. More awareness has meant more reporting of concussions, and the growing numbers have prompted the CDC to declare sports-related traumatic brain injuries an epidemic.”
this is now bringing the magnanimity of the issue to a head so to speak. for that i am grateful even if it took suing which it usually does in our culture to bring things out in the open, ahem like civil rights and gay rights, etc and now head trauma. this is so folks know going in the dangers and docs change their approach to it.
5150 for your edification one of the most important things is once someone is injured in pro sports it is now out to the hands of a tram doc and in the hands of an expert with no buy in in any direction. sadly no high schooler gets this type of care once injured unless a family can afford it and has insurance. that is huge and i guarantee it makes care better and NO ONE of the players ion any of those law suits you denigrate so freely had in the way of true health care. do you get how important that is? no you are so stoked on your own stuff you probably cant see how important something as basic as that is.
JSS
May 20th, 2012
7:22 pm
The lawsuit is an ancillary issue, the performance enhancement issue was the core of most of the arguments put forth (see the BALCO i.e. Bill Romanaski) as a case matter. The matters were argued out in scientific and journalistically even before this lawsuit finally reached this point. This suit should have reached the courts ten years ago…
I had to take random urine drug test and at least 15 blood test between 1979 to 1989. PE is a reality, but to say that people have not gone after this issue (the side issue) is not really the case… The brain trauma case being addressed in relation to this lawsuit are two generation back in regards to what is now being done in the matter of drug doping. No professional sports leagues are serious about enhancements (natural or synthetic). You can only control that with real government regulations… And none of you are willing to take that case on…
5150 UOAD
May 20th, 2012
9:50 pm
DOC if it was that BAD then WHY is Jessie Tuggle letting his kid play college ball and trying to get Drafted?
CRY CRY CRY but they ALL want the Paycheck on GAMEDAY and now they want a Paycheck after the fact.
Sounds like the MULE and 50 acre deal.
5150 UOAD
May 20th, 2012
10:13 pm
My HEADACHES are SOOOOO bad I didn’t cash MY PAYCHECKS……………….
5150 UOAD
May 20th, 2012
10:15 pm
My HEADACHES were so Bad I thought those 5 women were my WIFE when I was making babies with them.
5150 UOAD
May 20th, 2012
10:17 pm
I must have a Concussion!!!! You mean that was SNOOKIE I was having sex with and not Kim Kardashian?
Lawsuit!
May 21st, 2012
7:12 am
after the current players get out of the league, they should sue the nfl billionaire owners for big money to really cash in!! the owners have plenty of money and will settle to get this thing covered up.
Auburn Grad
May 21st, 2012
8:19 am
When I played football in the early 60’s, the biggest player we had on the team was about 200 lbs. College lineman weren’t much bigger than that.
Equipment was much simpler.
Now, a combination of size and equipment that gives a sense of invulnerability along with the “show boat” attitude of players, serious injuries will keep on coming.
GREED
May 21st, 2012
8:41 am
the NFL needs to implement some serious steroid and HGH testing right away. the speed and size of the players is killing – literally – the game.
RIP Kenny McKinley and the others
observer
May 21st, 2012
8:52 am
In all of the articles and discussion about concussions leading to players physical ailments and even suicide, it is very possible that steroid use has more to do with those situations than head injuries. of course, the players wouldn’t have much luck with law suits and getting money for broke former players if they said the reason for their troubles was the steroid use. Many of these older players who eventually made it to the NFL started using steroids when they were in the 9th or 10th grade.
Deepdiver
May 21st, 2012
9:02 am
Some people in here are really dumb. The NFL hid what they knew about concussions. On top of that, they didn’t have trained neurologists or medical personnel disgnosing concussions until a few years ago. They also didn’t have players sit out in mandatory fashion who were diagnosed with a concussion until a few years ago. In fact players would lose money or worse if they didn’t go right back in after a concussion.
nate from detroit
May 21st, 2012
9:26 am
There is enough blame to go around concerning this topic. Instead of beating up the sport, why don’t we try to find a way to make it safer? Why don’t we get ESPN and the other networks to quit glorifynig the “kill shot” hits so that the kids coming up won’t feel the need to gain this type of notoriety. Make the helmets lighter and softer to discouage “leading with the head” type of tackling.
Has anyone compared the concussion numbers versus another contact sport like rugby where they don’t even wear a helmet? I wonder has this always been an issue in football and years ago it just wasn’t diagnosed and treated as aggresively. My 15 yr old plays high school football and as long as he enjoys it and stays relatively injury free, I am not going to make him stop.
On a personal note, I gave up football my freshman yr of high school for fear of injury and played basketball and baseball (I enjoyed these 2 more and didn’t want to get injured in football and mess up the other two sports). I blew out my ACL playing basketball, messed up my rotator cuff playing baseball, and got knocked out twice playing each sport.
LawDawg
May 21st, 2012
9:54 am
“Borderline psychos wouldn’t dangle $10,000 bounties as a means of motivation.”
Good lord, Schultz. I have to assume at this point that Vilma engaged in coitus with a close family member of yours.
Also, Jamal Anderson probably wakes up with a headache every day because he is an abusive alcoholic (based on my experience seeing him out in Buckhead a number of times passed out at bars) and I assume Jessie Tuggle is broke.
These lawsuits are asinine.
LawDawg
May 21st, 2012
9:55 am
“Some people in here are really dumb. The NFL hid what they knew about concussions.”
OK, deepdiver, show me your evidence for this claim.
richard whiskey
May 21st, 2012
10:08 am
just a money grab they knew the risk’s,like the fool who smoke’s two pack’s of cig’s per day then gets lung cancer and tries to sue,you know what the risk’s are and you choose to do it anyway
jarvis
May 21st, 2012
10:29 am
The Ex-Players see a paycheck in it….no other reason.
jarvis
May 21st, 2012
10:31 am
“No one ever told me that banging my 300 lb. body into another 300 lb. body thousands of times could result in injury.”
Falcon 228
May 21st, 2012
11:59 am
I remember a player in high school that received severe head trauma during a game. After the play was over he just didn’t get up. The trainers ran onto the field and the physician for the team was called onto the field. Several minutes passed and the refs told them to remove him from the field so the game could continue. A couple of players picked him up, placed his arms around their necks and walked him off the field. His feet never moved. His helmet had been removed, it was all but crushed, and I saw his face when he was brought to the sideline. His eyes were closed. They worked on him on the sideline for about 15 minutes. He was taken to the ambulance in the same manner he was removed from the field of play. He was at school the following Monday but left about an hour later with a severe headache. He was sent to what was then known as Macon Hospital (now called the Medical Center of Central Georgia) for treatment and observation. He never played another game. He also suffered from severe emotional problems. He was never the same after the injury. I saw him several years later and he didn’t recognize me. I told him my name and at that moment couldn’t remember me. I saw him a few days later and he still didn’t recognize me. Sad. Since that time equipment has been improved but not enough to prevent a concussion. A concussion no matter how severe has long term effects. I moved from my hometown 22 years ago and I have no idea how his condition is or even if he’s still alive. I can just imagine after all the info that has come to light in the last few years. Steroids nearly ruined baseball. That was self induced. The same can be said about concussions in football if the game isn’t changed. Fans were angered over steroid use. They better understand that Goodell is moving to save the NFL by making necessary rule changes to not only save the players after they retire but to keep this sport as the greatest sport in the world. Current player need to wake up. When they retire and reach the age of 45 they also might reach a point where their lives disintegrate to a point where they put a gun to their own heads because of unnecessary past head injuries. Thanks Jeff. Great piece.
Jay
May 21st, 2012
12:33 pm
Of course current players don’t care, they have money to make.
Of course former players care, their bodies are broken and their paychecks have dried up.
Blah
May 21st, 2012
3:25 pm
Hey Jamal…maybe it was all that blow you were doing in Buckhead!!
Sid
May 21st, 2012
4:41 pm
Seriously………………..banned in Boston.
Sid
May 21st, 2012
4:43 pm
Anybody know how to get rid of this Meebo crap the AJC drops on your PC…………?
JSS
May 21st, 2012
11:03 pm
“OK, deepdiver, show me your evidence for this claim.”
See the transcript of the 2009 Congressional hearing, then make that statement… The NFL colluded on this issue. The 2000 study was denied and they tried to compromise the data. It took a House hearing to bring it to light and start the change…
monroe
May 22nd, 2012
9:40 am
the nfl owners have plenty of money to settle these lawsuits—just put a couple of billion in a pool to pay off the ex-players–no big deal.
Goodell not fazed by Vilma's lawsuit, Saints' blather | Jeff Schultz
May 22nd, 2012
9:51 pm
[...] NFL, facing player-safety issues and a blur of concussion-litigation lawsuits, potentially could be on the verge of sweeping changes. But the biggest obstacle may be changing [...]
the truth...
May 23rd, 2012
10:43 am
Enter your comments here
the truth...
May 23rd, 2012
10:44 am
No joke….when you are young you are invicible and stupid…. when you are older, creaky and achey you look back and say how could I have been so dumb…..
duh……