The Dreaded C Word

This year we football fans have heard more about concussions than ever before. I think it is a very good thing. The evidence of brain damage in some football players that have suffered multiple concussions as they get older is sobering. We have seen it in boxers, but I don't think that many of us have thought that a concussion here or there was a big deal and we certainly don't want to think about it happening to the football players that we cheer for every week. Growing up if you get 'shaken up' you just take a little break. When you can see and think straight again get back out there. I would not be surprised if in the next 5 years we will take our precaution to an over-kill extreme, but I'm really glad for the direction that we are moving. Having two boys 14 and 7 who love football, I want their brains protected. Neither of them have the wisdom to sit out for a few weeks or months if their bell gets rung. I know that I would not have sat out. So, I'm all for the rules that say in Pop-Warner and high school player have to sit out a month or so if you get a concussion. Their brains are worth it as well as the hundreds of thousands of other brains that will take a pounding playing football.

States consider youth concussion laws

ESPN story on Concussions