Hot topic around the sports world today surrounds the notion of Roger Goodell and the NFL enforcing a firm control over helmet-to-helmet hits. 34 Concussions so far this year-and we've only been through 6 weeks.
Fines of anywhere from $5k-$25k are a thing of the past. When you have guys making 100x that in their signing bonuses alone, you can understand why the hits kept comin'. However, the NFL is stepping it up by now suspending players who lay such vicious blows.
This really irks me. Years ago, before concussions weren't so glorified, you had guys like Troy Aikman go through an entire season while sustaining multiple concussions. Now I am not defending the fact that guys should take time off after a serious head injury, but this is the first time I can remember that a ton of prime-time players are out one after another with a concussion.
Have the players gotten faster and stronger? Yes.
Has the game gotten rougher? Not from what I can see.
Have advancements in medical technology and research caused us to be (rightfully so) more concerned with the effects of concussions? Yes.
So, my case is this- we understand that players need time off after an injury. However, when I am paying $150 a ticket to see Shawn Merriman go "lights out" on the opposing team, I want what I paid for. I dont want him in the right spot at the right time to lay a bone shattering hit, only to pass on it and go for the legs.
People- its called football. The game has not changed. When you put that helmet on and cash your bi-weekly $1,500,000 check, you better be damn ready to get lit the fart up.
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