Now I learn of Junior Seau. A couple of weeks ago at the age of 43, and having only retired 3 years previously, he shot himself dead in his house. Junior Seau had enjoyed an illustrious career. 20 NFL seasons as a Linebacker with the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins the New England Patriots had made him famous and infamous for some massive, concussion inducing hits. It troubles me that somebody could be revered for actions which seriously threaten the health of opponents. That is part of the trouble with NFL. Its values have been warped and its governing body is accused of having lost sight of human values.
Seau had been a troubled figure post NFL, with inter alia allegations of domestic violence, yet nobody foresaw this untimely ending. What is the league doing to look after the welfare of the retired stars once their usefulness has ceased?
NFL is reeling from the Federal Lawsuit issued by hundreds of former players alleging that the League did nothing to warn players of the consequences of concussion related injuries and took insufficient care of them whilst they were playing and subsequently.
There is a medical body of opinion that suggests that the effects of repeated head injuries caused during games could cause, inter alia, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE - thanks @NiceIcePrincess) and that conditions such as depression and even dementia might ultimately result. Even repeated smaller head impacts could result in longer term damage. Might this be an explanation for some for some of the extreme acts of self harm and suicide surrounding the sport's players post retirement?
Due to the pressures on players with regard to selection and the needs of hard pressed coaches to get results, they are often hesitant to report injuries which are not visibly apparent.
Some experts think that the woes of former stars may in some instances be linked to the head injuries sustained during their careers. Studies of the brains of deceased former Gridiron players, donated by their families tend to support this proposition. The family of Junior Seau are considering whether to allow their loved ones brain to be donated for similar research.
It troubles me that these issues come to the fore only in the aftermath of appalling tragedy.
NFL is a glamorous and intoxicating sport. What happens though when the lights go out on a glorious career. The sport is littered with casualties succumbing to depressive illness when attention turns elsewhere, but also to debilitating arthritis and to prescription pain killer drug addiction.
NFL is becoming a beacon for bad publicity. What was once considered to be the sporting pinnacle is now being re - examined. Will the sport go the way of boxing and lose its soul and reputation?
Andrew Sweat is a 20 year old future superstar. His case has rocked the sport. Offered a career with the Cleveland Browns, the Ohio State Linebacker has turned his back on that kind of stardom and elected to attend Law School instead. Shaken by the effects of sustaining concussive injuries already, sweat has decided that it simply is not worth it.
As he stated on Twitter 'Health trumps football any day'.
NFL might want to consider mitigating the damage somewhat. Here are some suggestions.
Get rid of the most dangerous element of the game - the kick off.
Reduce competitive games.
Reduce the length of the season.
Limit full contact training sessions to one per week.
Get rid of 'volunteer extra practice'.
Plan with players for the post NFL afterlife. Use the off season for mandatory life coaching sessions.
Appoint retirement buddies.
Put players' interests first.
Widen the field. The field in the Canadian Football League is considerably wider. The accumulation of severe hits is consequently much reduced.
POSTSCRIPT 10.1.13
The results of tests of Junior Seau's brain have been revealed today. Junior Seau did in fact suffer from CET. Looking back on Junior's life and career his son simply said 'Was it worth it?' For him the loss of a father was not. For further details click here
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