'Clinical relevance: One in three former NFL players believe they have CTE, raising concerns about the mental health toll of that belief. Many of these former players report cognitive problems, depression, mood swings, and chronic pain.' I wonder how much suffering is needed for people to recognise the tragedy of playing football - one of the most dangerous human activities, if the most dangerous one. One brain concussion after another leading to unimaginable problems that ex players face, together with their families. And yet, all keep on pretending the problem was not there, even the platforms that fight to preserve democracy. Well, democracy is about truth first and foremost, and in order to fight lies and fake news of today's fascist takeover, one should face the truth, no matter how unpopular and above all, express solidarity with the victims of our social structures.
I stopped watching football many years ago, when more and more active and retired football players developed CTE, with the NFL doing everything to get out of paying these athletes and/or their families. NFL owners make billions off these players, but get very miserly when it comes time to pay up. They begrudge these former players and their families every lousy penny they've earned over their careers.
Glad you included a picture - apparently this is the sport with the oval ball. More coaches of color instead of just players will be a really good celebration day. But I agree with the CTE comment, I’m not sure the sport warrants the morbidity. I had a surgeon friend who played football at Harvard. He needed his hips replaced when he was mid forties - yes, he had both done at the same time AND he was an orthopedic surgeon. Big word for those guys is BONE. His marriage fell apart shortly after and his career was in shambles after that. You don’t get into Harvard JUST because you play football but some pretty significant things might happen because you DO play football. Just sayin’
'Clinical relevance: One in three former NFL players believe they have CTE, raising concerns about the mental health toll of that belief. Many of these former players report cognitive problems, depression, mood swings, and chronic pain.' I wonder how much suffering is needed for people to recognise the tragedy of playing football - one of the most dangerous human activities, if the most dangerous one. One brain concussion after another leading to unimaginable problems that ex players face, together with their families. And yet, all keep on pretending the problem was not there, even the platforms that fight to preserve democracy. Well, democracy is about truth first and foremost, and in order to fight lies and fake news of today's fascist takeover, one should face the truth, no matter how unpopular and above all, express solidarity with the victims of our social structures.
NFL = Not For Long
I stopped watching football many years ago, when more and more active and retired football players developed CTE, with the NFL doing everything to get out of paying these athletes and/or their families. NFL owners make billions off these players, but get very miserly when it comes time to pay up. They begrudge these former players and their families every lousy penny they've earned over their careers.
Plenty of people in the center and the left enjoy the NFL. I'm one.
Enjoyed this read even though I am not a football fan. Juxtaposing politics and sports is an idea to consider more purposely.
Glad you included a picture - apparently this is the sport with the oval ball. More coaches of color instead of just players will be a really good celebration day. But I agree with the CTE comment, I’m not sure the sport warrants the morbidity. I had a surgeon friend who played football at Harvard. He needed his hips replaced when he was mid forties - yes, he had both done at the same time AND he was an orthopedic surgeon. Big word for those guys is BONE. His marriage fell apart shortly after and his career was in shambles after that. You don’t get into Harvard JUST because you play football but some pretty significant things might happen because you DO play football. Just sayin’
I almost forgot: go Packers!