The Dark Side to the NFL: Concussed or Not?
Based on my research, there are considerable lifelong health related consequences associated with participating in grueling sport activities such as professional football. What responsibilities should the National Football League (NFL) have in regards to providing an adequate support system to players suffering from a concussion during a practice or regular season game and from lifelong challenges as a result of traumatic head injuries sustained during the regular season or practices? The resources I have referenced in this proposal essay, provide evidence to answer this question and lends support to my position that considering the violent nature of professional football, the NFL needs to take more efforts to protect players during the games and afterwards if a serious injury has been sustained that affects their quality of life and future earnings. Current policies are inadequate and continue to contribute to lawsuits and cost lives.
Over the past several years, the NFL has faced numerous lawsuits involving former NFL players and their families ranging from negligence, fraud, and wrongful death conspiracy from related head traumas suffered while playing professional football. Several studies have shown that there are long-term and devastating effects on football players who consistently experience concussions during regular season play and practice. There is convincing evidence that permanent and significant brain injuries and even death have resulted from playing professional football.
In opposing arguments, the league and their sponsors take the position that the players understand the risks and they should not be held responsible as the risk for sustaining traumatic brain injuries is a risk they assume as a players. Players are often not forthcoming with their injuries out of fear of being removed from the game or unable to play in future games;...