12/06/2009
The NFL is now requiring doctors unaffiliated with teams to treat and examine players who suffer concussions. This comes on the heels of the United States Congress questioning NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and the head of the players union last month about concussions among players. How the NFL deals with head injuries and concussions is expected to have a major influence on players and policies for colleges and even high schools.
■Class discussion: Time Magazine reported: Too many kids are returning to the playing field too soon after a concussion. How many? According to an alarming new study, from 2005 to 2008, 41% of concussed athletes in 100 high schools across the U.S. returned to play too soon, under guidelines set out by the American Academy of Neurology. The New York Times says Interviews with players indicate that even those aware of the dangers of concussions ignore them. How do you view athletes who insist on "playing through the pain?"