Do Obama, Seau, mounting stats influence your opinion: Would you still let your son play football?
Four years ago my husband and I had our first discussion about our son playing football. We had been to the fields near our house in Gwinnett and watched the little fellows playing ball. I couldn’t believe how hard they were hitting. I walked away knowing I didn’t want my son playing.
Four years ago, it was just a feeling in my heart but as the years have passed there are more and more statistics to back up that mother’s instinct. (Luckily, our son has no interest at this point in football. He does like basketball, which I am cool with because there is far less contact.)
Earlier this week President Obama sparked some pre-Super Bowl heat with a similar comment.
“I’m a big football fan, but I have to tell you, if I had a son, I’d have to think long and hard before I let him play football,” Obama said.
“I think that those of us who love the sport are going to have to wrestle with the fact that it will probably change gradually to try to reduce some of the violence,” he added. “In some cases, that may make it a little bit less exciting, but it will be a whole lot better for the players, and those of us who are fans maybe won’t have to examine our consciences quite as much.”
“In an interview in the magazine’s Feb. 11 issue, Obama said he worries more about college players than he does about those in the NFL.
“The NFL players have a union, they’re grown men, they can make some of these decisions on their own, and most of them are well-compensated for the violence they do to their bodies,” Obama said. “You read some of these stories about college players who undergo some of these same problems with concussions and so forth and then have nothing to fall back on. That’s something that I’d like to see the NCAA think about.”
Players weighed in with reaction. From AP:
Ravens safety Ed Reed, for one, agreed with the sentiment.
“I am with Obama,” Reed said. “I have a son. I am not forcing football on my son. If he wants to play it … I can’t make decisions for him. All I can do is say, ‘Son, I played it so you don’t have to.’”
Reed, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection in his 11 NFL seasons, thinks there needs to be improvements within the league.
“We’ve got some leaks in it that need to be worked out,” Reed said. “Every medical training room should be upgraded; training rooms can be a lot better.”
And as he noted: “When you’ve got the president talking about it, you got something.”
“NFL spokesman Greg Aiello responded Sunday, “We have no higher priority than player health and safety at all levels of the game.’ ”
And we keep hearing about players such as Junior Seau and Ray Easterling who killed themselves and were found to have chronic traumatic ecephalopathy, or CTE, a degenerative brain disease often linked to repeated blows to the head.
As a blog community we have talked about whether we would let our kids play football several times throughout the years, and as recently as last May when Steve Hummer wrote a great Sunday piece looking at the issue, including some incredible stats.
“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.”
“Facts sometimes fail parents who are looking for a definitive to-play-or-not-to-play solution. Any long-term damage done by playing football has not been quantified.” “In fact, the CDC’s Institute for Occupational Safety and Health just released a records-based study of more than 3,400 NFL players who were in the league for at least five years between 1959-1988 and found that they had a lower death rate than the general population. That included death by heart disease, cancer and, yes, suicide. The Institute plans to similarly study the incidence of early Alzheimer’s and other cognitive issues.”
“Dr. Steve Kroll of Georgia Sports Medicine estimates that he has seen more than 1,000 concussion cases in the past two years. Maybe 20 percent of those involve football. Other sources may surprise you.”
“One in particular is cheerleading,” he said. “They don’t have pads. They don’t have helmets. And they actually suffer quite a few concussions.”
Teen concussions up 200 percent from Aug. 201
So do 3,000 former NFL players’ families suing the NFL sway you? Do Seau and Easterling killing themselves and having brain damage sway you? Does knowing that teen concussions are up 200 percent make you think maybe I don’t want my child playing football or at the very least some changes need to be made to the sport? Does knowing the president would have to think twice before letting a son play football change your opinion?
Would you still let your son (or daughter) play football?
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128 comments Add your comment
I dropped my fried twinkie
February 1st, 2013
4:11 am
Lady your boy can be what ever he wants but he will be a wimp if he NEVER tries do something that is dangerous and risky to his health. MEN/ BOYS take risk and do risky things. We thrive on the dangerous and deadly. Protect your boy all you want but when he gets his ass beat or gets bullied for being a puZZy in school don’t blame the other boys for picking on your kid cause your boy is a chicken.
I dropped my fried twinkie
February 1st, 2013
4:14 am
Your son is WHITE. He has very little future in Basketball either. Get him some Golf Clubs a baseball glove or a tennis racket. Why don’t you get him in Boy Scouts?
Mr. Obvious
February 1st, 2013
5:52 am
I typically find it is in the best interest of my nation, my family and myself to do THE OPPOSITE of whatever The JiveTalker-in-Chief reads off his teleprompter.
Go, Falcons.
A Realist
February 1st, 2013
6:41 am
And thus to piggyback off yesterday’s topic …the pussification of American men continues
JF McNamara
February 1st, 2013
7:08 am
I’m definitely having second thoughts. My kid is smart, and I don’t want to risk his future over a game even if its a very remote possibility.
For those who are so adamantly for football, would you also push your son to become a boxer? You get hit until you get concussed enough to pass out. That’s pretty manly.
I would ban “I dropped my fried twinkie”.
Sobelle
February 1st, 2013
7:21 am
Think of the Gladiators who fought men and animals in an arena so the people could cheer the “sport” and how they loved it. Football was a part of my son’s life from little league through junior varsity before he finally decided to quit. He was good and could have gone on to win a scholarship. I remember something Fran Tarkanton said, “Don’t push your kids into football, let them make up their own mind. Let them start playing in high school and not before.” So I never pushed him and now I’m glad.
dcb
February 1st, 2013
7:22 am
Yes, I would have no problem in having my sons or grandsons play football in this day and age even though I suffered a head injury during my playing days. And no, Obama’s comments and Seau’s situation have not impacted my reasoning – especially Obama’s opinion. I would worry about injuries, though, and if I had my choice and the talent and interest was there, I would much prefer to watch my kin both male and female play golf, basketball, and baseball during their formative and then high school and college years. Which is somewhat contradictory in itself because my two favorite sports to watch on tv are both college and pro football, and pro hockey.
Sk8ing Momma
February 1st, 2013
7:32 am
I think football is like smoking. What was once acceptable is becoming less so as the dangers and health risks are revealed/discovered. On that note, my 11yo so played tackle football in a VERY competitive league (go figure!) for 2 years when he was 8 and 9. He had a great time, learned lots and was in GREAT physical shape.
It was not something that I was in favor of initially; but, I grew to accept it. In hindsight, I’m happy he had the experience and “got the desire to play football” out of his system. Now that he’s older and more information has been disclosed regarding concussions and the inherent dangers associated with football, I would DEFINITELY put my foot down and prohibit him from playing. Thankfully, he’s moved on to travel team soccer. He’s the goal keeper — the only one who wears a helmet. :)
Jeff
February 1st, 2013
7:34 am
You know, to play devil’s advocate (in a round about way), why then are some of these same people trotting out the “you go girl” card and cheerleading squad when a female even tries out for football?
I don’t think it’s as big of a charade on this blog, but in the broader public arena it’s blatant.
barry obama is a sissy
February 1st, 2013
7:45 am
Who gives a flying fornication what urkle Obama thinks. I’m sure he wouldn’t let his little trayvon play football, not when he could slip on his hoodie and go be a little thug, but then that is the sport of choice in that armpit of a city that urkle’s boyfriend raum emmanuel runs isn’t it.
Jessica
February 1st, 2013
7:59 am
The possibility of brain damage is enough to make me encourage my son to choose some other sport; my son’s long-term future is more important than any game, even football.
On the other hand, I am in no way swayed by what President Obama thinks, especially since his so-called leadership is robbing our kids of future prosperity and security. Who is he to lecture us about our kids when he is merrily piling more and more debt on their shoulders?
Big Mama
February 1st, 2013
8:10 am
My goodness! So much hate so early in the morning! Thankfully, this has not become an issue in my home as my son has not expressed an interest in football. He participates in several activities and enjoys them and has many other interests that fill his time. We would have to discuss the potential consequences of football should he ask to play in the future. I encourage both of my children (boy and girl) to take risks and try new things. I allow them to do things that probably horrify some parents (sure, go climb that… Jump over it if you want to…). But the longterm consequences of football are too much…head injuries seem to be a large part of the game and I don’t want my son’s brain scrambled.
FCM
February 1st, 2013
8:16 am
No President Obama’s opinion of football does not influence. Neither will a number of others. If I had a son who wanted to play, I would work with him to get so he is the toughest one out there. The football my children know have all been in exercise programs and drinking protein shakes.
I do wonder though the article said One in particular is cheerleading,” he said. “They don’t have pads. They don’t have helmets. And they actually suffer quite a few concussions
Are you letting Rose and Lily do cheerleading if they want?
alex
February 1st, 2013
8:27 am
To directly answer: yes, if he wanted to and Glad he doesn’t want to. Do law suits sway me, are you kidding ? Peolple get sued over hot coffee or 11.5 inch subs,goodness. No the Prez does not sway me, he was not elected to be a sports monitor.
FCM
February 1st, 2013
8:45 am
The more I think about it, the madder I am that Obama choose to speak on football. Could he stop trying to interfer in things like sports and actually work on something important like the fact he has nearly DOUBLED spending since he took over from Bush.
President Obama, you spent the last 4 years telling us it was Bush. Well, who you blaming now? (I blame the voters that elected Obama).
MamaS
February 1st, 2013
8:47 am
I said NO to football before my boy was old enough to even ask. It is not up for discussion. Many of my relatives criticize me and say he will be “wimpy” because he doesn’t play. I don’t care — he will be a wimp with all his brains and not a para- or quadriplegic. He will also have a black belt in karate. that he earned himself. That is more “manliness” than most boys have.
motherjanegoose
February 1st, 2013
8:57 am
TWG…is football big in Arizona? I did not get that impression, whenever I visited. it probably will not be an issue for you unless you move back to GA.
My son did not play football. He played just about every other sport.. He is tall and that helped for basketball. He was a pretty good goalie in soccer.
I am not a football person. I have a friend on Facebook, who I went to HS with 35 years ago. He just posted that he may be the only one who does not know who is playing in the Super Bowl. I laughed at the comment.
My husband and son love sports as far as fans. I was at UGA yesterday with my daughter. I have never been to a football game there and do not care if I ever go. I have been to a basketball game and would go again. We went to the art museum and that was interesting. We passed the stadium and I commented that perhaps my son will be able to afford season tickets now when he starts his career this summer. He also loves baseball and the Braves games. It will be interesting to see which sport he chooses,maybe both!
I ditto that not much Obama does, with his family, would ever impact my family. I do not see him as a role model.
motherjanegoose
February 1st, 2013
9:00 am
For the record…I do not care if I ever go to Disneyworld again either. If you offered me 3 days for free, I would pass. I do not like to be in random crowds of thousands of people. That is just me. Three days at the beach with a good book is more my style :).
A
February 1st, 2013
9:26 am
I have a problem with kids playing tackle starting at age 6. Thankfully, my child prefers baseball and is good at it. Not that there aren’t injuries in baseball, but at least it’s never caused by another player ramming their helmeted heads into you.
yuki
February 1st, 2013
9:32 am
My almost 5 year old seems to enjoy soccer and he will be playing in the spring. I’m kind of hoping he goes to soccer and baseball as opposed to football because it does worry me a bit. Would I forbid him to play if he really wanted to? Most likely not but I would be concerned to say the least.
And no, Obama’s words/opinions have NO influence on me whatsoever. You have got to be kidding.
Peacefulli
February 1st, 2013
9:39 am
I have two sons that play football in high school. We did not allow the older two boys to play sports until they were 11. They like playing football. I know injuries are possible and do have some concern. But, I’m not that concerned. I will let them decide how long they want to play.
My children have control of their lives for the most part.
bo
February 1st, 2013
9:48 am
DCB writes, “I would have no problem in having my sons or grandsons play football in this day and age even though I suffered a head injury during my playing days….I would worry about injuries, though, and if I had my choice and the talent and interest was there, I would much prefer to watch my kin both male and female play golf, basketball, and baseball…”
You would have “no problem” with football but you would worry about injuries (having suffered a head injury yourself playing football) and prefer they play something else? Sounds like you would actually have a lot of problems with it (rightfully so). Why such a contradictory statment?
resno2
February 1st, 2013
9:52 am
“When you’ve got the president talking about it, you got something.”
Oh Please!!! Obama is no more an expert on football than he is on getting a budget passed. Just because Obama says so doesn’t make it true… lord help us if we ever get to that point.
Beefcake
February 1st, 2013
9:55 am
Little Barry has no influence on me at all. In fact he if were to say something I’d probabobableesch do the opposite…it’s nirvana in the
Nobama Zone!
(the other) Rodney
February 1st, 2013
9:59 am
I only have this to add – if your idea of manliness relies on, even in part, playing football, well … someone needs to fast forward from the 1950s and join the rest of us in 2013.
Don’t get me wrong – I have absolutely no issue with football – I quite enjoy it. But it is in no way a measure of manliness, nor is it a preventer of wimpiness. My father never played a day of football in his life and he’s one of the most macho (to a fault, sometimes) men I ever met.
Of course, I might question the manliness of someone who dresses up with the name and number of a 20 year old college guy on his back, and whose mood every Saturday in the fall is dependent on whether or not a bunch of 20 year old boys win a game. :)
Techmom
February 1st, 2013
10:48 am
My son has played all kinds of sports since he was 4 and tackle football starting at age 6. We always encouraged him to try new things and try to find something he really liked but regardless, he was going to stay involved in something – no sitting around. His only injuries have been bumps or bruises here and there. The only time he’s ever needed medical attention was when he fell off his skateboard and busted his chin open (helmets don’t protect against that). My point is that not every kid is going to get hurt playing youth sports or even football if they are taught correctly how to tackle and block. I do know plenty of kids who’ve had surgery from other sports though (especially knee surgery from basketball and elbow and shoulder injuries from baseball and softball). Honestly, I think wrestling is the worst- no pads or helmet; just headgear to protect the ears.
I come from a big “football” family and my husband referees football from rec to high school. Starting last year, the referees for high school (GHSA) are now allowed to bench a player if they think a concussion has occurred. My husband isn’t so keen on the idea as he thinks that’s the coach and trainer’s responsibilities but it’s really just one more level of a safety net to ensure a kid’s health isn’t compromised.
That being said, the two issues I see with football are 1) coaches who aren’t trained properly since most of the youth leagues are dads who volunteer and who aren’t required to take on-going training so they can teach the kids how to play safely and 2) over zealous parents & coaches who push their kids to be too aggressive and continue to play when they are already hurt.
Angry Much
February 1st, 2013
10:49 am
Wow gotta say that most of the post are about personal hate of the president and not the topic. I really can’t muster up that kind of hate for a stranger. Has the president done things I don’t agree with..yes. So have past presidents and I am sure futer presidents will. I don’t know if it is a race things or a political party thing, but you people need to get some perspective. It makes you look unstable to go foaming at the mouth crazy at the mention of someone.
As for football, If I had a son I would have to think about it. If he really wanted to play I would make sure we were well informed about it. and take as many precautions as possible.
Techmom
February 1st, 2013
10:50 am
By the way, what do parents think about flag football vs. tackle? I’ve already seen a rise in participation in the flag league near us and think it’s a great alternative for young kids.
LivininATL
February 1st, 2013
10:50 am
I think it is best to do your research and make up your own mind instead of relying on others.
We have one son that plays football, it will pay for his Ivy League education and another that gave it up to focus on other sports. Injuries are a concern, but he loves playing the game, and there are risks associated with everything we do. On the other hand, we have friends that played college and pro and it is painful for me to watch them move.
resno2
February 1st, 2013
10:57 am
Angry Much, obama’s attempt to inject himself into the everyday lives of regular Americans, buy trying to make himself appear as one of ‘us’. He never has been nor will he ever be a ‘regular American’. He needs to stop trying to be our friend, and concentrate on being our leader. His statement about football was as misguided as his saying if he had a son he’d look like Treyvon Martin.
catlady
February 1st, 2013
11:18 am
My son would not have been a good candidate for football, because of his TBI. Instead, he played baseball! And guess which position? Catcher!
I was glad when he joined up with the band and theater groups.
motherjanegoose
February 1st, 2013
11:23 am
@Livin…Kudos to your son! I ran into a former student of mine, from Kindergarten. She told me of another student ( of mine) who went to Harvard on a Football Scholarship. I thought that was really super! I looked it up and found his name too!
I did not think I was angry today. I simply do not admire a President who thinks we should share everything we have, by force, with those who would like to have what we have. There is a reason people have more than others. When I meet someone on Delta who is a Platinum or Diamond Medallion, I say to myself, “that person lives in the air.” I am not jealous that they have more privileges than I do. They are working their fannies off and so they should get ahead of me in line. Some people say, “Must be nice to have all those Skymiles and FREE tickets!” Really? THEY WORKED FOR IT!
I am also all about sharing, when it is my choice and not forced.
I am a white woman and I would have voted for Herman Cain in a minute. It is not about race, to me. It is about not trusting Obama’s motives.
truthyness
February 1st, 2013
11:34 am
Enter your comments here
Brown Eyed Girl!
February 1st, 2013
11:34 am
Fortunately, neither of my boys have expressed any interest in playing football. They like watching sports. I think their favorites are baseball (because of me) and basketball (because of my husband). Currently, they both are active karate students. If they said they wanted to play, I would have to think about it, but mostly, I would want them to get educated on the sport first. I would want them to have the best quality of life after they are done.
People need to understand one thing. The president, as with many other people in this country, is interviewed about a variety of things. Often questions are asked of him about things that do relate to the average citizen. When that happens, he responds. If he was the average joe, noone would ask nor publish what he has to say. But he is the president…as was Bush as was Clinton as was Reagan (also an actor). He does not seek out the press so he can make comments about thing, they ask him! If you don’t like what he says, don’t listen! If it doesn’t affect your world, move along! No matter what your political affiliation is, we should be tired of all these silly quips, but most of all, we should be grown ups!
Richard
February 1st, 2013
11:38 am
I have serious concerns about the intelligence of people claiming that they are just now finding out about the dangers of playing football.
What rock have you people been living under?
Brown Eyed Girl!
February 1st, 2013
11:42 am
@motherjanegoose,
I hear what you are saying, but this is not a political blog! She was asking questions about whether you would allow your child to play football! That question is being asked a lot here lately to many people in light of all the suits and deaths related to football. He was asked that question, just like you and me and he answered! Can this mom blog be a politics free zone?
truthyness
February 1st, 2013
11:42 am
Yes! Obama opinion does matter and influence me. I admire him for what he has accomplished in spite of all the racist under achieving ranters in these comments. I played football, but I would not like for my child to play football. By the way, black people out there; you see all this racist stuff. Tell your kids to stand up and not take this crap. It continues because you allow it to. They are from all walks of life, but they are nothing but insecure bullies who use racism as a relief valve for their own perceived lack of value.
El Mongol
February 1st, 2013
11:55 am
I would never push my child into nor forbid them the opportunity to participate in any sport they were qualified for. The injury risk is there, but let’s be honest they probably stand a greater risk driving back and forth to school than on the football field.
Halftrack
February 1st, 2013
11:56 am
Football in the early years are not so bad. It is when you get to H.S. and beyond. Fran Tarkenton was discussing this recently. Drugs are behind the problem. Growth hormones and stimulants now produce abnormal size people that play for College and the Pro’s. Notice the size of the players. In the 1st Super Bowl game only 2 people weighed over 300lbs. Sunday over 28 players will weigh over 300lbs. With weight gain, they have become faster in running. The collision is tremendous. This is not a normal sized person in the game anymore. Think about it?
HB
February 1st, 2013
12:05 pm
MJG, athletic scholarships are strictly prohibited in the Ivy League. Your former student may have played football for Harvard, but I’m sure he didn’t receive a scholarship for it.
El Mongol
February 1st, 2013
12:07 pm
truthyness, “all the racist under achieving ranters in these comments.”
Forgive me for being a little off topic, but please understand criticism of a person of color does not somehow automatically equal racism. To simply dismiss any argument against Mr. Obama’s polices as racism is intellectually dishonest and harmful to our Nation as a whole. While the level of vitriol on both sides very much bothers me we should never give up our fundamental right to disagree and debate the issues.
motherjanegoose
February 1st, 2013
12:25 pm
@ Brown Eyed…thanks for clearing that up! Why then, should we look to Obama for guidance about football? I think mentioning his name is about as political as it gets.Sorry but I was simply responding to Angry’s post. I have been involved with this blog for almost 7 years and, as far as I know,there are no rules about staying on a specific topic.
motherjanegoose
February 1st, 2013
12:28 pm
@ HB yes but I am thinking he had to be smart enough to be admitted and a good player to boot? Since I know nothing about Harvard nor football, I guess I made that assumption. Wiping the egg off of my face…haha!
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
February 1st, 2013
12:31 pm
I think the cheerleading is very dangerous too. My niece is cheerleading and I was so glad they made her a base instead of a flyer!! My babysitter was never a flyer and I was glad about that.
resno2
February 1st, 2013
12:59 pm
truthyness, where has obama’s race been mentioned? Are you making assumptions because many of us have not jumped on the obama bandwagon? Using race as a crutch when someone disagrees with him is part of the reason so many have no respect for him.
Brown Eyed Girl!
February 1st, 2013
1:03 pm
@motherjanegoose,
We shouldn’t! He was asked a question and he answered. If I may speak for Theresa, she mentioned it because he is the president and I dare say if the president was any other person, she would have mentioned it then as well. No, there have never been a rule as to what you can say on this blog, but, my goodness, can anywhere be sacred from it? I see enough hate thrown around in other places. I would love to see a neutral spot where people can just discuss the challenges of being a parent!
Decatur Guy
February 1st, 2013
1:04 pm
“I think the cheerleading is very dangerous too. ”
I feel sorry for your kids. You must wrap them in bubble wrap when they go out.
As for Obozo influencing your decision for your kids – you have to be a complete retard to allow a little commie chain smoker to give you advice.
My Prediction: Football will become a class-based sport, like boxing
February 1st, 2013
1:07 pm
It’s striking that a former pro football player said to his son, “I played football so you don’t have to.” He want a better life for his son, one without all the physical injuries and danger to the brain.
People always knew that football crunched your body; now that we know it makes swiss cheese of your brain, too, a lot of middle class parents who plan for their children’s future will be taking football out of those plans. Basketball, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, swimming, rock climbing, martial arts – there are a lot of great sports that kids can still play.
I agree with the poster above who suggested that football is going to become more like boxing in American society: it will be populated by males coming up from poor neighborhoods and tough backgrounds.
Middle class parents are not going to let their kids get damaged brains, because those brains are going to be their future – far more valuable to them than any football games they played.
Decatur Guy
February 1st, 2013
1:11 pm
” I couldn’t believe how hard they were hitting. I walked away knowing I didn’t want my son playing.”
It would truly suck to be raised in your family.
ssidawg
February 1st, 2013
1:12 pm
There are times when I’m surprised Theresa and the AJC keep this blog going. The responses to every blog are full of hate and rudeness.
Decatur Guy
February 1st, 2013
1:13 pm
” I would love to see a neutral spot where people can just discuss the challenges of being a parent!
This blog became political when she mentioned Obama having influence over parents/kids. If you don’t like it, leave.
Brown Eyed Girl!
February 1st, 2013
1:28 pm
No, @Decatur Guy.
A parent was asked if he would let his son play football and that parent responded “no”. That parent happened to be the current president. You chose to make it political because of you own issues! Oh, by the way, I won’t leave because I am a mature adult that is fully capable of reading something and taking it for what it is and not reading other emotions into it!
liberalefty
February 1st, 2013
1:31 pm
why so much personal hate for the president? it seems his intelligence and confidence drives these angry whites crazy as they hurl vicious attaccks at him…
liberalefty
February 1st, 2013
1:33 pm
decaturguy
OBAMA does influence millions of kids and parents…your angry racist rantings is proof…lol
liberalefty
February 1st, 2013
1:34 pm
racist whites think OBAMA shouldnt have the right to answer a question…what are they so angry about?
liberalefty
February 1st, 2013
1:36 pm
i love these internet macho white men who’ll cower in fear at the sight of a black man…lol…the president is tougher than y’all because hes black…
liberalefty
February 1st, 2013
1:40 pm
@DECATURGAY1:11
i’m sure living in the white house really suckkkkks….lol
A Realist
February 1st, 2013
2:31 pm
Imagine if you if George W Bush had uttered these same remarks regarding football. Letterman, Bill Mahrer and Kimmell would have had a field day for weeks. Obozo says it and all of the sudden it’s the gospel. I doubt he would ever comment in the same vain on basketball.
@ liberalefty
February 1st, 2013
3:11 pm
The more you shout ad nauseum about racism, the more damage you do the those that really have struggled and suffered. That word has little to know meaning anymore, thanks to brainless baitos like yourself. White people are the cause of your problems, YOU are. The reason people continue to mock “your President” is because of worshippers like you. YOU make YOUR PRESIDENT look bad.
Now run back over to Bookman, etc. and play the race card game with your lowlife friends. XOXO
@ liberalefty
February 1st, 2013
3:14 pm
please excuse my multiple spelling errors.
Decatur Guy
February 1st, 2013
3:20 pm
“OBAMA does influence millions of kids and parents…your angry racist rantings is proof…lol”
You have the IQ of a carrot, troglodyte.
Decatur Guy
February 1st, 2013
3:21 pm
“racist whites think OBAMA shouldnt have the right to answer a question…what are they so angry about?”
Ma’am, don’t you have a shift at the strip club to get to?
Decatur Guy
February 1st, 2013
3:21 pm
“i’m sure living in the white house really suckkkkks….lol
I’m sure you know all too well about “sucking.”
Decatur Guy
February 1st, 2013
3:22 pm
“DECATURGAY”
Hate speech.
Decatur Guy
February 1st, 2013
3:22 pm
“You chose to make it political because of you own issues! Oh, by the way, I won’t leave because I am a mature adult that is fully capable of reading something and taking it for what it is and not reading other emotions into it!”
Poor whittle bed wetting baby.
In the immortal words of Whitney Houston (God rest her soul)...
February 1st, 2013
3:27 pm
…OH, Hell to the NO…
Mattie
February 1st, 2013
3:48 pm
Thank you Brown Eyed Girl for your rational responses.
My middle son played in high school. The eldest and youngest boys didn’t much care for it, although they both tried it as freshmen. I am grateful none of them suffered any serious injuries, but had I known then, what I know now, I would have discouraged participation. There is too much emphasis on high school football in GA, and too little on education. Who stands a better chance in life? The high school running back, or the class valedictorian?
Decatur Guy
February 1st, 2013
4:25 pm
“Thank you Brown Eyed Girl for your rational responses.”
HAHAHAAHA!!!!!!!
blackbird13
February 1st, 2013
4:55 pm
I would strongly discourage any child of mine from playing football, not only because of the injury risk but because of the time commitment involved. There are so many better things to do in terms of extracurricular activities. Football, I believe, is going to be increasingly a sport for kids from impoverished backgrounds, i.e. those whose only route to college is an athletic scholarship (this is already true to an extent).
Socrates
February 1st, 2013
5:04 pm
This is like asking, “Do I send my child to public or private high school?” The ONLY thing I got ‘better’ out of private high school was the grade of drugs!!!
William Smith
February 1st, 2013
8:22 pm
If you want your son to play football and he wants to also it is not the business of anyone. However, to say someone is less than a man for not playing football seems quite extreme. If your son came to you an said he wanted to join the armed forces and enter combat zones what would you say. I bet many on this board and there spouses would break down in tears. Which is the greater service to your country? It seems unusual that head injuries and concussions are also a major problem in the military. Only remember one thing after head trauma has occured it is very difficult to unoccur it.
missnadine
February 1st, 2013
10:20 pm
Nice to see that any topic with Obama’s name mentioned really brings out the true colors of your blog readership (no pun intended).
Ann
February 2nd, 2013
12:08 am
@ A Realist – So, the thousands of former professional football players suing the league over this issue are now considered “pussies”, according to you? Doubt you’d say that to their face?
Ann
February 2nd, 2013
12:24 am
Interesting that some folks find it a problem that our President spoke of concerns about the health and safety of college football players who do not go on to the NFL. Regardless of political affiliation, how is that inappropriate? I’d rather have a president that delves into important topics with opinions, even if I don’t agree with the opinion, instead of one who evades answers. I would call it “wimpy” leadership to avoid stating opinions on topics. Put your thoughts out there and let the debate continue. Isn’t that what we do on this blog, as well?
Ann
February 2nd, 2013
1:24 am
@ Richard – It is not that people are just learning that football is dangerous. It’s that chronic traumatic ecephalopathy, or CTE, was only recently associated with football. Prior to 2002, it was only thought to be confined to boxers. Starting in 2002, it was discovered in autopsies of football players. And, it was only four years ago that medical researchers formed an organization to study the brains of deceased football players. So, the impact of repeated concussions and CTE is a fairly new discovery in the football realm.
I do not think that the research study quoted in the blog of players who played from 1959 to 1988 is particularly relevant for todays players, who are, for the most part, bigger and stronger than players from past decades.
liberalefty
February 2nd, 2013
7:15 am
@decaturgay
dude we all know how “tough” you are…just another internet tough guy who like TED NUGENT is all talk..typical white boy republican, who’ll pee his pants if he had to fight a black guy
liberalefty
February 2nd, 2013
7:27 am
@liberalefty3:11 {copycat}
no we shout racism because its true{gop birther party } sorry if u dont like the truth. And u mock the president because you cant do anything else, so like a little chihuahua barking at a great dane all u do is schreik and yelp like the little dog you are..meanwhile the big dog ignores you because he knows your just a flea on his big testicles, nothing to be concerned about…kinda like the way the average white man feels when he stands next to a confident black man like OBAMA! What u lack in size is u try to compensate with your loud mouth shrills! EPIC FAIL
liberalefty
February 2nd, 2013
7:29 am
@decaturgay
youre just another angry white male with penis issues…dont get mad at OBAMA because youre “too short”…take it up with god!
Quira
February 2nd, 2013
8:47 am
We…that is our society in general and our president in particular…have embraced behaviors that are both risky and damaging to families and children. But its hip and trendy to have questions about football even as we strain the gnat and swallow the camel.
Google "NEA" and "union"
February 2nd, 2013
10:53 am
Hi Theresa—Say, I wonder if you’d allow me to park a comment to another blog here temporarily …
Your AJC compatriot running the Get Schooled blog doesn’t like comments which go against her ardently pro-teachers’ union, anti-parental choice viewpoint. She therefore regularly holds my comments “in moderation” until the point of debate has moved on.
Today’s topic is about the proposed Parent Trigger Law for failing schools. I suggest that for general background parents view the excellent film WAITING FOR SUPERMAN, which union activists seek to discredit, so as to discourage reforms like the Trigger Law.
Perhaps those readers of yours interested in education will want to rent the film and see for themselves how its insights apply to the local Atlanta situation.
Thanks!
GardenDiva
February 2nd, 2013
10:53 am
When my older son, then 7, expressed interest in football, I ignored him because I was leary of the contact in the sport (my brothers played basketball and wrestled; my husband played a bit of everything and broke his leg playing football). Shortly thereafter, he brought home a flyer for the local Rec soccer league and we embarked on a 14 year sojourn in the world of soccer. Rec soccer at the lower age groups is lots of movement on all players’ parts and the contact didn’t cause me any great concern. My younger son began playing when he was 4.
Both boys graduated to Select soccer (travel teams) as soon as they were age-eligible. It was then that I learned that soccer really IS a contact sport! My boys have been kicked, stepped on, punched, elbowed, bit(!), pinched, kneed, and slapped on the playing field. They just don’t wear pads all over their bodies like American football players. And, for the most part, they don’t lead with their heads.
GardenDiva
February 2nd, 2013
11:11 am
I am not swayed by what someone (like the President) has to say. Why would the opinion of a celebrity have any bearing on the facts and how I act on them? I do, however, pay attention to the scientific studies.
We have an overprotective group in society who doesn’t want you to do anything because you MIGHT get hurt. Like no dodgeball or choosing teams, mandatory helmets for bicycle riding, and etc. Opposing the overprotective crowd is the group that opposes all change because “it was good enough for me (or my parents, etc.) and I turned out okay”. BOTH OF THEM ARE PARTIALLY WRONG! There is always room for evolution in this sort of thing as more hard facts come to light. But you can’t wrap people in cotton batting so they don’t get hurt.
I enjoy American football and don’t want the game to be drastically altered. In my opinion, it will take a decade or more for changes in the fundamental techniques to trickle down because force of habit is a very strong thing. The youth coaches of today are teaching what they learned long ago. Some of them will continue to teach what we know now to be bad techniques because of that resistance to change. Only when the kids who grow up with better techniques begin coaching will the game truly change.
catlady
February 2nd, 2013
11:59 am
My younger daughter did cheering for 3 years in middle/high school. She was petite; I watched her being dropped from a full extension several times. I was glad when she decided to stop. She was active in the band in middle school, and very active in theater in high school. She was also a dancer. She got hurt in college twice. Once was moonwalking across a table at a fraternity party. The other time she fell in the stairwell at college and hurt her foot. The second one could have happened to anyone. The first? Well, she should not have been moonwalking on a table.
Elder daughter was on the tennis team. She was the most noncompetitive “player” there ever was. She wanted to be on a team, and she liked the clothes. She was also in band 4 years and yearbook editor.
I think as parents we all decide how much chance we want to take. As many of you have pointed out, riding in a car is dangerous also. Each of us can decide what is okay for our kids, and what is not. And, that is an appropriate decision for parents. When they get older, our children will decide for themselves, and then for their children. MYOB to others.
Coach
February 2nd, 2013
11:59 am
As a youth football coach I appreciate the Presidents comments, when he said something about guns, NRA membership went through the roof. I can’t wait for football sign-ups, we’ll have more kids getting into football than ever.
GardenDiva
February 2nd, 2013
12:18 pm
As to the argument of if the President has a right to express his opinion, well of course he does. And from my perspective, his opinion will only be that of a fellow parent. He is not a medical expert.
I only pay attention/heed to the parental opinions of people whom I admire and trust and those whom I judge to be well-informed on an issue. The others go in one ear and out the other. It particularly peeves me that many celebrities and well-known public figures seem to think that their opinions matter more because they are celebrities.
M.E.
February 2nd, 2013
1:03 pm
I think it’s a sign that we’re having a national discussion about an important issue—we’re beginning to look seriously at our cultural entertainments and how they affect the participants personally. This is a good thing. More information, and becoming more informed, allows us all to make better decisions about our health and well-being, which then has a direct impact on our national health and well-being as well.
Spartacus
February 2nd, 2013
1:22 pm
Who gives a Flying “F” what Obama thinks about football…..shouldn’t he be busy with something more important….like filling out his basketball brackets???
Far more kids die of car a a accidents than football…..Wanna ban driving for them too??
resno2
February 2nd, 2013
2:36 pm
” I would call it “wimpy” leadership to avoid stating opinions on topics.”
Kinda like not talking about the economy and a balanced budget during an inauguration speech?
Decatur Guy
February 2nd, 2013
3:23 pm
“dude we all know how “tough” you are…just another internet tough guy who like TED NUGENT is all talk..typical white boy republican, who’ll pee his pants if he had to fight a black guy”
Racist retard, you have the IQ of a carrot. Go get a job and move out of your mom’s trailer park. Fight a black guy? WTF does that even mean?
Decatur Guy
February 2nd, 2013
3:24 pm
“kinda like the way the average white man feels when he stands next to a confident black man like OBAMA!
Obama is half white, moron. Also, who would envy him when he’s married to a wookie? He wears mom jeans and throws a baseball like a girl. Lots to envy there.
Decatur Guy
February 2nd, 2013
3:25 pm
“youre just another angry white male with penis issues…dont get mad at OBAMA because youre “too short”…take it up with god!”
The only penis you ever see is the ones you suck on on a daily basis.
liberalefty
February 2nd, 2013
3:26 pm
I have sex with goats.
liberalefty
February 2nd, 2013
3:26 pm
I hate white people.
Ann
February 2nd, 2013
3:54 pm
@ GardenDiva – Your 11:11 am post was well-said and some good points.
When Obama made his football comments, it didn’t appear to me that he was saying that his opinion was expert or more valid than any other parent. He simply said he was concerned about college players (the ones not moving on to professional careers). If we, as parents can comment publicly on this blog and expect others to read it, the president certainly has that right, as well. Otherwise, commenters who say, “why should I pay attention to the president” should say the same thing about their own comments on this blog (”why should we pay attention to you?”) As far as football safety, there is no reason that we should ignore potential advances in player safety and helmets. Parents and medical experts concerned about the effects of concussion are not “risk-aversive” parents. They are not looking to avoid risk taking activity. It is simply common sense to analyze injuries and effects and look for solutions.
Ann
February 2nd, 2013
3:57 pm
Hey, Theresa – Seems like it would be helpful for future readers of this blog currently and while it’s archived to be able to avoid all the immature comments about sexual acts, etc. Can’t you delete these? Seems like it will discourage readers/posters who are interested in the actual topic. Time wasting posts of that nature are discouraging me from returning to the blog.
mdawg
February 2nd, 2013
5:50 pm
We want to take football away from men and let women now go to combat.
The Emasculation of America.
mdawg
February 2nd, 2013
5:58 pm
Hey for all you emasculates, heathens,lefty liberals, football haters,
soccer moms and Obama supporters, football is here to Stay, It ain’t going nowhere.
Ann
February 2nd, 2013
6:12 pm
@ mdawg – Quite a few of the parents I know concerned about football are conservatives, in a highly Republican area. To imply this is a soccer mom issue is odd, considering how many professional football players and their Dads have spoken out “against” their sons playing football. Ironically, for those with recurrent concussions and damaged brains, football itself has emasculated them.
And, folks wonder why girls and women are surpassing boys and men academically in high school and college.
Tech Man
February 2nd, 2013
7:52 pm
Sure did. He two time college first team all american, National champion and nfl player before injury.
dougmo2
February 3rd, 2013
7:18 am
Junior Seau was a grown man who made his own choices. Any individual who is over the age of 18 must live with their own decisions. Good or bad, it is their choice. Seau made some poor choices in his life and it cost him his life. As for Obama, when he makes a statement that actually makes sense and is relevent to anything, please call me
Mother of 2
February 3rd, 2013
8:32 am
I was lucky, both of my boys chose other sports and activities. While I am not a fan of football, my husband watches it on TV, so my boys weren’t sheltered from the sport. I suppose that if they wanted to play I would have let them. We encouraged both to explore different sports and find what was right for them. Neither was a great athlete, so sports scholarships were never in their future. Also, I never thought that participating in any sport would “toughen” my kids.
liberalefty
February 3rd, 2013
10:30 am
@decaturguy
dude wimps like u can’t handle black men thats why u feel a need to lash out at OBAMA because your frightened of black men and your fear is manifested in your hatred of the president. …a typical rightwinger
liberalefty
February 3rd, 2013
10:50 am
@gardendiva 12:18
You’re right, since you’re not a medical expert then youre opinion means nothing and we shouldnt pay any attention to it. Thanks for understanding.
liberalefty
February 3rd, 2013
10:57 am
@dougmo2 7:18
Obama is very relevent thats why hes the president and youre here whining about what he said. And would u have even commented on this blog if u couldnt get in a dig at the confident black president…lol…by the way , why isnt anybody asking what ROMNEY thinks?..because nobody cares….lol
mdawg
February 3rd, 2013
2:08 pm
confident black president
half black
Allen Keyes not a bleeding heart liberal, conservative, and his mama and daddy
were both black.
JayKay
February 3rd, 2013
2:36 pm
When in doubt, do the opposite of whatever 0 is spouting.
Tanner G
February 3rd, 2013
3:24 pm
if we do anything worth while in this life – we will risk serious injury and death on a daily basis. to spend ourselves in a worthy pursuit – whatever the payoff might be is an indicator of a life well lived. without risk – there is no reward – period!
Decatur Guy
February 3rd, 2013
3:53 pm
“dude wimps like u can’t handle black men thats why u feel a need to lash out at OBAMA because your frightened of black men and your fear is manifested in your hatred of the president. …a typical rightwinger”
Speak english, retard. I fear black people about as much as I fear going to the grocery store. I have many black friends who would laugh at the stupidity of your idiotic comments. You have the IQ of a carrot, the grammar skills of a high school dropout and the intellect of pond scum.
Decatur Guy
February 3rd, 2013
3:54 pm
“You’re right, since you’re not a medical expert then youre opinion means nothing and we shouldnt pay any attention to it. ”
Remedial english is calling your name, troglodyte. Also, aren’t you late for your black panther party?
FU
February 3rd, 2013
3:55 pm
“Obama is very relevent”
Spell check is relevant, moron. Obama is only relevant to people who need welfare. You for instance.
FU
February 3rd, 2013
3:56 pm
“confident black president”
Obama is not black. He is mixed. He is half white and half black. You’d know this if you had any intelligence.
mgdawg
February 3rd, 2013
4:19 pm
I am a certified athletic trainer, so let me shed some light on this for you. First of all, the main reason concussions have gone up recently is because people are doing a better job at noticing the signs and symptoms and reporting them, this is a good thing. Second, peewee football isn’t anything to worry about, the kids simply can’t generate enough force. Third, players need to keep quiet unless they are helping out the cause. Yes, training rooms need to be upgraded, especially at the high school level. Do you know who could help with that, millionaire football players. Fourth, I wouldn’t let my kid step onto a high school football field without an athletic trainer. Many schools have them, but many still do not. Clayton county schools do not have athletic trainers, yet they have a plenty of coaches. Give up a couple of coaches pay, talk with local dr. offices or hospitals about helping, and get an athletic trainer.
Hockeymama
February 3rd, 2013
5:08 pm
Please, I almost wish my son had wanted to play football. Instead we spent the past 15 years playing hockey. He still plays today. Had our share of injuries along the way, though no concussions (there were quite a few that did though). Would I let him play again – YEP. Oh and he is currently a 4.0 student at college, so obviously it did not hurt him too much.
truth sayer
February 3rd, 2013
5:34 pm
Here are the facts…follow up with them if you like.
When looking at sports with the highest injury rates for kids, football is not in the top 3 or 4…which include:
gymnastics, cheerleading, basketball and soccer (all perceived to be much safer)
More concussions are reported from children having bicycle accidents every year than from football.
The suicide rate of professional football/major college football players is lower than the rate of the society as a whole.
Football gets a bad rap. Do your research and don’t be so quick to believe the media hype machine that defines our country. It is a great sport and one of the last that teaches toughness and hard work, qualities that are more difficult to find in this great nation.
George
February 3rd, 2013
6:12 pm
Well this is Georgia ssidawg and I am not suprise at these comments WOW georgia never lets me down thhe home of Racism AJC you are doing a great job or the best that you can
ken
February 3rd, 2013
6:31 pm
Emergency rooms get a lot of business on high school football nights !!!!!!!
globeflyer
February 3rd, 2013
6:59 pm
I don’t care what the President thinks about what his boy might, or might not, play. I want to know who he would look like! Teaching kid the proper way to tackle and using the shoulder pads would go a long way….
Barb
February 3rd, 2013
7:24 pm
Not to many of you really read the article, did you. If a doctor saw a 1000 concussions and only 20 percent were football, don’t you think you should wonder where the other 80 percent are coming from. Life is full of bumps and bruises. Unless you keep your kids in a padded room 24 hours a day there is no way you can protect them. Why do you think people like to play football, hockey, and even basketball? It’s the contact of the sport. Don’t let the elite try to change any sport from the power it is to a wimps game. Don’t you think the people of the military aren’t doing the same thing. Unless you have robots doing all of this there are going to be people hitting one another. Some people like to hit hard and some do not. These people know what they are doing and they continue to do their best. Along with that, modern medicine is also coming up with uniforms to protect them better. Also, the statistics for the health of sports players should tell you something. Their health is much better in general than the general public. Don’t ignore all these things before you ruin sports for millions of people. Yes, I’m a mother of boys that are or have been in football and military. I stand behind them one hundred percent.
AlanW
February 3rd, 2013
8:48 pm
Why is Obama voicing his opinion on the dangers of football when our troops are at the highest number of suicides? Doesn’t he have a job to do? Everyone who has a relative or friend in the service should be really concerned about Obama’s priorities. There are way more health concerns in war than in football. What a joke. Ever heard of post traumatic stress disorder?
This like Bush tying up congress with steroids in baseball. When are going to have a real leader for president?
apparent
February 3rd, 2013
9:30 pm
Our son played football in high school and took some severe hits, one a major concussion, A couple years later he developed Epilepsy. Was football the cause? Not sure, but hard blows to the head are certainly one cause of Epilepsy. If I had a chance to do it over again, I would not allow my son to play football. It’s not worth the price. There are other good sports to participate in.
Cloudodust
February 3rd, 2013
9:54 pm
The president offers opinions on subject matter that isn’t related to doing the business for which he was elected and some bird brains give him a standing O..? Jeez. Football is a great teacher that women (and some men) don’t get. Why is beacause they never played the game and reaped the benefits of a real like team effort and the individual repercussions of such. While it IS just a game, it’s a game that propels young boys into real life situations. Yeah, if my kid wanted to play, I’d say, Yes. Consider the number of snaps with 22 players on the field and nothing happpend for a complete game multipled times the number of games played. Same percentage as driving as a youngster and dying in an automobile accident of which, I have first hand knowledge of…Let ‘em play…
Jessica
February 3rd, 2013
10:16 pm
If my son wants to play football I will allow him to.
Ellen
February 3rd, 2013
10:29 pm
No affluent parent will allow their child to be a punching bag. Period. They have other avenues for success in life. Junior Seau was not aware of the damage being done to his brain. That information wasn’t available to players of his time. Also, players were expected to keep playing–concussions and all–if they wanted to keep their jobs. Now the information is available that football can cause irreparable brain damage. Not to mention other less deadly maladies like early onset arthritis. No I would not allow my child to play routinely dangerous sports like football, boxing, or cheerleading. Their bodies and minds need to last a lifetime. And I respect that. And for all you Obama haters, please grow up! This is not the time nor place to spew your political crazy. There is a political blogger at the AJC–which is a more appropriate place to be as nutty as you want to be.
liberalefty
February 4th, 2013
8:17 am
@fu
who cares youre mad that the president is black…what does rommmmney thinks?nobody cares hes a loser
liberalefty
February 4th, 2013
8:21 am
@decaturgay
dude i know youre afraid of black men…why are wimpy internet racists like u afraid of confident virile black men like OBAMA…
liberalefty
February 4th, 2013
8:29 am
@fu
i know OBAMAS mom is white yet i’ve yet to hear racists like u call him a derogatory white name….i only hear derogatory black names like “ape, baboon, etc….i dont hear “redneck”, “honky” or “cracker”…i know insecure white men like u cant stand the thought of a black family in the white house and that makes me so happy…
liberalefty
February 4th, 2013
8:38 am
i love these white guys who are so tough over the internet as they brag about how tough they are and how wimpy the president is. . As a black man let me say this, we know the average black man is tougher than the average white guy. So racists like DECATURGAY remind me of guys like TED NUGENT who claims to be a great patriot but during vietnam was just a coked out draft dodger. White guys talk tough, but black guys know better…their fear of confident black men is manifested in their hatred of OBAMA…God left them “short” and they have issues…lol
liberalefty
February 4th, 2013
8:40 am
@jessica 10:16
and nobody really cares…duh