Could the NFL end?

An interesting article that discusses whether football could eventually end. It discusses the economic as well as social consequences. It is extremely interesting and brings up some strong points.
What do you think?

CTE< the concussion crisis, and an economic look at the end of football

Controversy over Giants' Players Targeting 49ers

In an interesting article by foxsports, it was reported that Giants linebacker Jacquian Williams and receiver Devin Thomas said they targeted San Francisco 49ers kick returner Kyle Williams because he has suffered four previous concussions:

“He’s had a lot of concussions,” Thomas told the Newark Star-Ledger. “We were just like, ‘We gotta put a hit on that guy. [Tyler] Sash did a great job hitting him early, and he looked kind of dazed when he got up. I feel like that made a difference and he coughed it up.”

Devin Thomas

Jaquian Williams

Although what these two Giants players did might be seen as cruel and unfair, what the author of this article is forgetting is why is 49ers Kyle Williams in the game if he has already suffered four concussions and is so vulnerable to getting another? Shouldn't he be on the side line getting better?

Again this is an example of sports teams not following the proper concussion protocol and not putting their players at risk for further injury. 

What do you think? Do you agree that the Giants players had the right to hit him if he was wearing a jersey? Is it not the responsibility of the athletic trainers to keep the player off the field if he were to be at risk for another concussion?

link to article and pictures: Concussion worries go right over players' heads

NFL Concussion Suits

300 former football players and family members are suing the NFL "for negligence and misconduct for the way it responded to players' concussions and complaints of dizziness, headaches and related problems. The lawsuits also contend the NFL deliberately downplayed the dangers of head injuries despite knowing the risks."
Many of these players are currently suffering degenerative brain diseases (could be CTE- read previous post)
Some of the players claim that Riddell Sports Inc. (the helmet company) and the NFL collaborated to "downplay the dangers of head injury." 


Read the article here: http://online.wsj.com/article/AP26d863e843934f3da8c9c2c036a1691b.html

MLS creates concussion protocol

The MLS has added a neuropsychologist to each team and has also instilled a three part protocol:
1. Players must pass cognitive tests
2. Player must be symptoms free
3. Team doctor and neuropsychologist must Ok the return to competition

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/7436065/mls-medical-staffers-target-concussion-protocol

New NFL Protocol

NFL is taking steps to make the football a safer place for athletes: the NFL has appointed independent athletic trainer to sit up in the press box who watch the film and look for concussions. This trainer will not be affiliated with either team, and will only be a consultant. Therefore, they do not have the power to remove a player from the game or diagnose the concussions.


Do you think this is enough?
Read the TIMES article which highlights many great points on the current problems in the NFL 

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2103015,00.html#ixzz1jpiyOvwc

Eye Tracking Device

Dr. Jamshid Ghajar's new eye-track technology

CTE

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: is a degenerative disease of the brain found in some athletes who have a history of repetitive brain trauma, including symptomatic concussions as well as asympatomatic subconcussive hits to the head.

 http://www.bu.edu/cste/about/what-is-cte/