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Concussions

You chose the life. Deal with it. WIMPS.

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  • digicatdigicat Posts: 8,551 ✭✭
    How about we ban the use of pads in the NFL?

    Besides, pads are for girl parts. Jock strap to protect the nuts, and a football. That's all you need. image
    My Giants collection want list

    WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 30,658 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>How about we ban the use of pads in the NFL? >>



    The players basically use just Helmets and Shoulder pads only now, you dont even see hip or thigh pads on these guys.

    As far as all this new stuff about concussions, I think alot of its a bunch of crap to be honest.

    These guys are looking for paydays and sympathy from the NFL- neither of which they will ever get.
  • digicatdigicat Posts: 8,551 ✭✭


    << <i>As far as all this new stuff about concussions, I think alot of its a bunch of crap to be honest. >>



    It makes sense to me.

    Through the years the players are getting bigger, stronger, and faster. Players are ditching the protective padding to gain a speed/agility boost to help them stay competitive. Instead of protecting against the big hit, they simply try to out-run it or just tough it out.

    The hits are getting bigger, and the padding is getting lighter.



    Concussions are serious. It's the f**king brain you're talking about. It's not a muscle you can strengthen, it's not a bone you can mend, it's not a tendon you can repair. You can't "tough out" a concussion. You try to play through it, you risk ending your independent life.

    NFL teams are right to have a specialist on the side who determine if someone's concussed and pull the plug. No NFL team wants the news to be reporting about how their player suffered severe brain damage and will be wearing a diaper and eating through a tube for the rest of his short life.


    Besides, I don't think Alex Smith of the 49ers wants any sympathy, he wants his job back.
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  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>People, players or fans, who who minimize the significance of brain damage are idiots. Plain and simple. >>



    What would you call a person that runs full speed and smacks their head into a brick wall? What if they repeatedly did that to entertain people? What if they got paid millions to do it?
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • 57loaded57loaded Posts: 4,967 ✭✭✭

    image
  • BoopottsBoopotts Posts: 6,784 ✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>People, players or fans, who who minimize the significance of brain damage are idiots. Plain and simple. >>



    What would you call a person that runs full speed and smacks their head into a brick wall? What if they repeatedly did that to entertain people? What if they got paid millions to do it? >>




    What does the fact that playing football is voluntary and lucrative have to do with the concussion issue?


    Yes- nobody is forced to play football.
    Yes- football players make a ton of money.

    However, these truths in no way lead to the conclusion that the concussion issue should be minimized by the NFL.

  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>People, players or fans, who who minimize the significance of brain damage are idiots. Plain and simple. >>



    What would you call a person that runs full speed and smacks their head into a brick wall? What if they repeatedly did that to entertain people? What if they got paid millions to do it? >>




    What does the fact that playing football is voluntary and lucrative have to do with the concussion issue?


    Yes- nobody is forced to play football.
    Yes- football players make a ton of money.

    However, these truths in no way lead to the conclusion that the concussion issue should be minimized by the NFL. >>



    I was only pointing out the irony of his name calling. Some say launching your head into an equal or greater mass is idiotic as well. Just saying...

    But for reals, concussions are serious injuries and should not be taken lightly. This is coming from someone that had a mild concussion (aka slightly concussed) two months ago.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 30,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Im not doubting that Concussions are a bad thing but I dont believe that all these former players coming out now about issues from them are 100% legit, personally I have had at least 10 concussions over the years from fighting, football, horseplay and work and at 42 I dont believe I have any issues from them.

    This is sorta like they get the smell of a possible payday and now all of a sudden its an issue that they should get compensated for.

    And digicat please name 1 former player in diapers eating through a tube. Seriously name 1
  • digicatdigicat Posts: 8,551 ✭✭


    << <i>personally I have had at least 10 concussions over the years from fighting, football, horseplay and work and at 42 I dont believe I have any issues from them. >>



    Good for you. My 70 year old mom's been a pack-a-day smoker since she was 16 years old and has had no health issues commonly attributed to smoking. She doesn't believe all the fuss about smoking being unhealthy.



    << <i>and digicat please name 1 former player in diapers eating through a tube. Seriously name 1 >>



    Ok, no one's been like that, but no team wants to be the first to have a guy like that. We're already seeing ex-NFL players dying and extensive brain damage being discovered.
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  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 30,658 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>personally I have had at least 10 concussions over the years from fighting, football, horseplay and work and at 42 I dont believe I have any issues from them. >>



    Good for you. My 70 year old mom's been a pack-a-day smoker since she was 16 years old and has had no health issues commonly attributed to smoking. She doesn't believe all the fuss about smoking being unhealthy.



    << <i>and digicat please name 1 former player in diapers eating through a tube. Seriously name 1 >>



    Ok, no one's been like that, but no team wants to be the first to have a guy like that. We're already seeing ex-NFL players dying and extensive brain damage being discovered. >>



    First off thats wonderful about your mother, its funny how certain people are like that.

    Secondly I will agree that you are right about the discovery of brain damage from deceased players, but again All Im saying is not all former players are legit.

    Hey its a violent sport and unfortunately concussions are a part of it. One possibilty is that perhaps some of this brain damage could be from steroids we dont know 100% either way.


  • << <i> One possibilty is that perhaps some of this brain damage could be from steroids we dont know 100% either way. >>




    Don't say that to Digicat or Stown...because not too many NFL players have failed tests, so that means only a few NFL players have taken steroids in the last 20 years, lol!!


    The NFL is putting emphasis on concussions to cover their butt's. Everyone knows concussions are hurtful...but ultimately it comes down to whether the player wants to play with concussions or work at 7/11.
  • digicatdigicat Posts: 8,551 ✭✭


    << <i>Don't say that to Digicat or Stown >>



    So, are you really 13 years old, or just really immature for your age?
    My Giants collection want list

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  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    "Objectivity just can't help himself from peppering his arguments with ad hominem mines." ~ digicat earlier today

    Heh.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    "What do you mean 'This may hurt.'?"

    ~ Overheard on first day of Gladiator camp.

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts


  • << <i>

    << <i>Don't say that to Digicat or Stown >>



    So, are you really 13 years old, or just really immature for your age? >>



    Actually, I wish to stay age 13 forever...it is important to keep your life fun.


    As for the NFL steroids, it still stands to reason by you rationale, that since a limited number have tested positive for them, that they don't do them, lol!
  • digicatdigicat Posts: 8,551 ✭✭


    << <i>As for the NFL steroids, it still stands to reason by you rationale, that since a limited number have tested positive for them, that they don't do them, lol! >>



    Now you're just making stuff up.
    My Giants collection want list

    WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
  • drewsefdrewsef Posts: 1,894 ✭✭
    Here's a name for you Perkdog since you asked. Steve Smith, Oakland Raiders FB, is on a feeding tube as a direct result of trauma inflicted from playing football that brought on ALS.

    And yes, his wife changes his diapers and he cannot speak, he was featured on Real Sports years ago.

    HE is not the only one either, look into it, there are clear scientific links between repeated head hits, including concussions, and the symptoms so many former NFL players and other sports like boxing. This is not made up and making light of it is immature in the least(not pointed at perkdog or anyone in particular, just to be clear)
  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 30,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Drew he suffers from Lou Gherigs disease, its a horrible story no doubt but not enough there to engage my point.
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Steve Smith, Oakland Raiders FB, is on a feeding tube as a direct result of trauma inflicted from playing football that brought on ALS. >>



    And if that's true, the NFL as we know it will cease to exist. The lawsuits will never end and they'll no longer be insurable.

    NFL: I just want to say one word to you. Just one word.
    NFLPA: Yes, sir.
    NFL: Are you listening?
    NFLPA: Yes, I am.
    NFL: Sarcastaball.
    NFLPA: Exactly how do you mean?
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • BoopottsBoopotts Posts: 6,784 ✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>As for the NFL steroids, it still stands to reason by you rationale, that since a limited number have tested positive for them, that they don't do them, lol! >>



    Now you're just making stuff up. >>



    Agreed. Hoop, this is getting ridiculous.

  • 72skywalker72skywalker Posts: 1,542 ✭✭✭

    Jerry Seinfeld said it best:

    There are many things that we can point to that proove that the human being is not smart. The helmet is my personal favorite. The fact that we had to invent the helmet. Now why did we invent the helmet? Well, because we were participating in many activities that were cracking our heads. We looked at the situation. We chose not to avoid these activities, but to just make little plastic hats so that we can continue our head-cracking lifestyles.

    The only thing dumber than the helmet is the helmet law, the point of which is to protect a brain that is functioning so poorly, it's not even trying to stop the cracking of the head that it's in..."

    Collecting Yankees and vintage Star Wars
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • GRGR Posts: 550 ✭✭
    Mike webster, directly from concusions...
    Nathan Wagner
  • drewsefdrewsef Posts: 1,894 ✭✭


    << <i>Drew he suffers from Lou Gherigs disease, its a horrible story no doubt but not enough there to engage my point. >>



    Yes, I stated that it is from ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and there are clear scientific factual evidence it was a result of trauma received as a football player. You asked for someone who actually was on a feeding tube and received the answer, albeit you only asked digicat.

  • drewsefdrewsef Posts: 1,894 ✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Steve Smith, Oakland Raiders FB, is on a feeding tube as a direct result of trauma inflicted from playing football that brought on ALS. >>



    And if that's true, the NFL as we know it will cease to exist. The lawsuits will never end and they'll no longer be insurable.

    NFL: I just want to say one word to you. Just one word.
    NFLPA: Yes, sir.
    NFL: Are you listening?
    NFLPA: Yes, I am.
    NFL: Sarcastaball.
    NFLPA: Exactly how do you mean? >>



    There's only doubt in your mind that the story is true, watch it for yourself on youtube and tell me.

    So, what do you view as more important in life, getting to watch football or not purposefully supporting something that has factual evidence that serious mental illness and sometimes even worse catastrophes are a part of your support? I have chosen not to be a part of it, however small that may be.
  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 30,658 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>Steve Smith, Oakland Raiders FB, is on a feeding tube as a direct result of trauma inflicted from playing football that brought on ALS. >>



    And if that's true, the NFL as we know it will cease to exist. The lawsuits will never end and they'll no longer be insurable.

    NFL: I just want to say one word to you. Just one word.
    NFLPA: Yes, sir.
    NFL: Are you listening?
    NFLPA: Yes, I am.
    NFL: Sarcastaball.
    NFLPA: Exactly how do you mean? >>



    There's only doubt in your mind that the story is true, watch it for yourself on youtube and tell me.

    So, what do you view as more important in life, getting to watch football or not purposefully supporting something that has factual evidence that serious mental illness and sometimes even worse catastrophes are a part of your support? I have chosen not to be a part of it, however small that may be. >>



    Drew I didnt notice your part about ALS that is/could be debatable but neither of us are medically educated enough to say either way.

    As far as you not supporting the NFL then thats your right to not watch it or buy NFL logo related items I guess thats how you dont support it? Either way NFL players know the risks of playing and its their choice and nobody has the right to say the sport should be outlawed, The NFL is above all a money driven enterprise for any and all involved wether its an owner or employee and regardless of risks to players its not going away that I promise you.

  • TabeTabe Posts: 6,064 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Drew he suffers from Lou Gherigs disease, its a horrible story no doubt but not enough there to engage my point. >>


    The latest science suggests that Lou Gehrig himself didn't have Lou Gehrig's disease but, rather, brain trauma caused by repeated concussions. The symptoms are practically identical.

    In other words, Steve Smith might have brain damage from concussions or ALS symptoms caused by concussions.

    Tabe
  • TabeTabe Posts: 6,064 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here's the thing about concussions:

    They never heal.

    Lemme repeat that - they never heal.

    Your brain can "recover" from them in that it re-routes the functionality lost to other areas but the damage never heals.



    There might be a few guys just looking to score a payday over the recent uptick in knowledge about concussions. If there, the number is really, really, really small compared to the number suffering actual damage. Add in the fact that the NFL has had studies for DECADES showing the effects, and hid them from its players, and well, you get a messy situation.

    Here's my question: Why hasn't the NFL (or NHL) passed rules saying that there must be padding on the OUTSIDE of protective gear? A number of the problems in the NHL are caused by pads that are simply too hard on the outside and can damage/injure people NOT wearing the equipment as opposed to protecting the guy wearing it. Why not a layer of soft material on the outside of helmets and pads to dull the impact? The effect would be two-fold: a reduction in injury and, in the case of football, a return to guys actually tackling instead of just "hitting".

    Tabe
  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 30,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Bottom line Concussions are part of the game and I stand by the fact that the players know the risks so its on them 100%

  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 30,658 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Bottom line Concussions are part of the game and I stand by the fact that the players know the risks so its on them 100% >>



    Edit: I further want to say that the NFL is all about getting on ESPN highlights, these guys attack with their helmets and want to absolutely hammer each other by bone crushing hits. The league penalizes these guys but it does nothing they prefer to hit not tackle, so again its on them.
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It's a violent sport no question about it and the NFL has taken steps to address the issue but more can certainly bed done. All Toon, former WR of the Jets, had numerous concussions during his career to the point where he was forced to prematurely retire and suffered from dizziness and brain-related problems long after his playing days were over. I think the players are certainly aware of the dangers but to succeed at that level you have to have a certain sense of invincibility to begin with, so I don't think the severity of the issue hits home until it's too late. The players make this league a LOT of money and I have no issues with the league financing programs to help players with brain damage after they retire.


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 30,658 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>It's a violent sport no question about it and the NFL has taken steps to address the issue but more can certainly bed done. All Toon, former WR of the Jets, had numerous concussions during his career to the point where he was forced to prematurely retire and suffered from dizziness and brain-related problems long after his playing days were over. I think the players are certainly aware of the dangers but to succeed at that level you have to have a certain sense of invincibility to begin with, so I don't think the severity of the issue hits home until it's too late. The players make this league a LOT of money and I have no issues with the league financing programs to help players with brain damage after they retire. >>




    Totally agree and ofcourse I agree the NFL should be taking better care of its former players who are having troubles but the problem I see is it being abused, look at Steve Young, Troy Aikman for example, both had numerous concussions, in fact Steve Young said it himself that he was a poster boy for concussions at one point, however both of them are doing fine mentally and financially, maybe Im jaded but working in a State Prison it makes me absolutely sick seeing the growing numbers of people out of work sucking off the state with BS fake injuries, believe me the numbers are completely gross. Im a firm believer in people who deserve help getting it but its a slippery slope, myself I had an opportunity to retire twice, once in 2005 when I was stabbed and again in 2008 when I was sucker punched by a 250 pound lifer but I didnt take advantage and went back to work, trust me when I say that more former NFL players would abuse it than the ones who truly deserve it.

    There is no easy answer I guess, other than the guys know the risk and most players play dangerously.
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    double post
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>Steve Smith, Oakland Raiders FB, is on a feeding tube as a direct result of trauma inflicted from playing football that brought on ALS. >>



    And if that's true, the NFL as we know it will cease to exist. The lawsuits will never end and they'll no longer be insurable.

    NFL: I just want to say one word to you. Just one word.
    NFLPA: Yes, sir.
    NFL: Are you listening?
    NFLPA: Yes, I am.
    NFL: Sarcastaball.
    NFLPA: Exactly how do you mean? >>



    There's only doubt in your mind that the story is true, watch it for yourself on youtube and tell me.

    So, what do you view as more important in life, getting to watch football or not purposefully supporting something that has factual evidence that serious mental illness and sometimes even worse catastrophes are a part of your support? I have chosen not to be a part of it, however small that may be. >>



    Hi Drew. I'm not the same "die hard" NFL fan that I was 10 years ago for numerous reasons. However, I do find it extremely admirable that you're putting your money and participation where your mouth is. I'm sure it's not easy to avoid all TV games, making zero purchases of NFL licensed products (guess that would include Bud Light as well), and such. Seriously Drew, I hope you continue to lead by example and put your morals above entertainment.

    May want to replace your avatar, though. Pretty sure that's DT celebrating a vicious sack, so...
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • drewsefdrewsef Posts: 1,894 ✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>Steve Smith, Oakland Raiders FB, is on a feeding tube as a direct result of trauma inflicted from playing football that brought on ALS. >>



    And if that's true, the NFL as we know it will cease to exist. The lawsuits will never end and they'll no longer be insurable.

    NFL: I just want to say one word to you. Just one word.
    NFLPA: Yes, sir.
    NFL: Are you listening?
    NFLPA: Yes, I am.
    NFL: Sarcastaball.
    NFLPA: Exactly how do you mean? >>



    There's only doubt in your mind that the story is true, watch it for yourself on youtube and tell me.

    So, what do you view as more important in life, getting to watch football or not purposefully supporting something that has factual evidence that serious mental illness and sometimes even worse catastrophes are a part of your support? I have chosen not to be a part of it, however small that may be. >>



    Hi Drew. I'm not the same "die hard" NFL fan that I was 10 years ago for numerous reasons. However, I do find it extremely admirable that you're putting your money and participation where your mouth is. I'm sure it's not easy to avoid all TV games, making zero purchases of NFL licensed products (guess that would include Bud Light as well), and such. Seriously Drew, I hope you continue to lead by example and put your morals above entertainment.

    May want to replace your avatar, though. Pretty sure that's DT celebrating a vicious sack, so... >>



    Yes, I do stand by my statements, and will gladly change my avatar if that causes any doubt in your mind. So did you actually do any additional research on former players who have suffered multiple concussions and read the actual facts and evidence? You seem to enjoy riding your bicycle to help others, so I'm sure you have an interest in learning about how others can be helped also....

  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Yes, I do stand by my statements, and will gladly change my avatar if that causes any doubt in your mind. So did you actually do any additional research on former players who have suffered multiple concussions and read the actual facts and evidence? You seem to enjoy riding your bicycle to help others, so I'm sure you have an interest in learning about how others can be helped also.... >>



    I sincerely applaud your efforts, Drew.

    Don't get me wrong, concussions are not a laughing matter. My snarky comments aside, I have zero doubt there's a correlation between repeatedly hitting your head into an equal or greater mass and potential long term effects to the brain.

    The problem as it relates to the NFL is a *very* slippery slope. On one side, you're playing a sport with an obvious, inherent, and likely risk for injury. On the other, a massive corporation generating billions. Generally speaking, injury lawsuits, especially when there's a high risk, don't end well. If the NFL takes the BP oil spill route, and sets aside X b/million without further recourse, the game will survive. If it goes to court:

    image

    edited to add: If you want to boycott the NFL and hope it brings attention to head trauma, I'll be one of the first to support your efforts image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • drewsefdrewsef Posts: 1,894 ✭✭
    This argument sounds quite similar to one I hear used when people speak of celebrities and other popular figures. The argument I am referring to is, "well, they knew before they took that job as an actor/actress/public figure/and on and on, knew what they were getting into, that they would have paparazi following them once they became so famous, that's just part of it"

    Well, if people changed their outlook and did not glorify or think such behavior was tolerable so a "general public" got their fix on the hottest actor/actress/you fill in the blank, then such intrusions would be highly minimized.

    I feel the NFL is glancing over the whole issue as a matter and only throwing a little money at advertising and actual preventative measures. Instead of some fining, of which I'm not confident that many of those players actually pay from their own pockets, multiple game suspensions up to a year or more suspension should be required for intentional helmet to helmet hits.
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    So it should be a non-contact sport? Former players should be compensated $X and $X payments going forward? Life long health insurance?
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Or going forward, cracking down on illegal hits, set aside $X in compensation for former players, and that's that?
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • First, concussions should be taken seriously as well as certain hits in the NFL. As for concussions, repeateed hits to the head will damage your brain. If you can't see that when boxers are interviewed than you are blind. Now football hits, I grew up watching Ronnie Lott and Mike Singletary. I emulated their play style and although I was the one of the hardest hitting players on the team and was famous for the hits, I paid for it. I didn't know it at the time but I likely played through a handful of them. The first time I knew I experienced one was when I knocked another player unconscious with a helmet to helmet hit.(I was the wedgebreaker on kickoff). Immediately after, I recall only that I knew I was playing football and I had to line up on the right side. My coach noticed I wasn't my normal self and pulled me out the rest of the half. Anyhow, after I was done with football, I noticed my speech was slurred and my family pointed that out. It got better over time buy I do know the repeated hits caused it.

    Lastly, Steve Young and Troy Aikman aren't the best example of the damage multiple concussions can do. See how the fullbacks(as mentioned), linebackers,safeties and wedgebreakers are doing post career.
  • drewsefdrewsef Posts: 1,894 ✭✭
    I don't have all the answers obviously, but I truly feel it is not being taken serious enough. Insurance is an absolute must and if that's part paid by the NFL and part of a player contract or however that works out I have zero impact on, but more must be done and done so immediately.

    I'm not saying stop the game, but better equipment and more actual repercussions for intentional helmet hits has to be taken now. And players who did not benefit from what we know now should have some help on the medical end, from the game they have helped build into the billion dollar business it is now, I absolutely believe that.
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I don't have all the answers obviously, but I truly feel it is not being taken serious enough. Insurance is an absolute must and if that's part paid by the NFL and part of a player contract or however that works out I have zero impact on, but more must be done and done so immediately.

    I'm not saying stop the game, but better equipment and more actual repercussions for intentional helmet hits has to be taken now. And players who did not benefit from what we know now should have some help on the medical end, from the game they have helped build into the billion dollar business it is now, I absolutely believe that. >>



    That makes sense. At first, sounded like you wanted to make extreme changes to the game. Sorry for the confusion/assumptions.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • BoopottsBoopotts Posts: 6,784 ✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I don't have all the answers obviously, but I truly feel it is not being taken serious enough. Insurance is an absolute must and if that's part paid by the NFL and part of a player contract or however that works out I have zero impact on, but more must be done and done so immediately.

    I'm not saying stop the game, but better equipment and more actual repercussions for intentional helmet hits has to be taken now. And players who did not benefit from what we know now should have some help on the medical end, from the game they have helped build into the billion dollar business it is now, I absolutely believe that. >>



    That makes sense. At first, sounded like you wanted to make extreme changes to the game. Sorry for the confusion/assumptions. >>



    Personally, I'm all for extreme changes. Here's a few that I would make:

    1) Instead of 11v11 the game is played 8v8.

    2) Each team is allowed 18 players per game- including bench players.

    3) Maximum of six substitutions per game. Once you come off you can't go back on.

    4) Running clock, and no huddles.

    By doing this you allow the game to correct itself. The odds that some SS is going to lower the boom on a defenseless receiver on a crossing route goes down significantly if that same SS is going to be the WR when his team gets the ball back. Getting rid of huddles and substitutions means you can't have 280 lb. meatheads beating the bleeding s**t out of each other, since everyone on the gridiron is going to have to be in peak physical condition. Going 8 v 8 means more space for offensive players to roam, which should result in more scoring and a reduction in brutal blindside hits.

  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>I don't have all the answers obviously, but I truly feel it is not being taken serious enough. Insurance is an absolute must and if that's part paid by the NFL and part of a player contract or however that works out I have zero impact on, but more must be done and done so immediately.

    I'm not saying stop the game, but better equipment and more actual repercussions for intentional helmet hits has to be taken now. And players who did not benefit from what we know now should have some help on the medical end, from the game they have helped build into the billion dollar business it is now, I absolutely believe that. >>



    That makes sense. At first, sounded like you wanted to make extreme changes to the game. Sorry for the confusion/assumptions. >>



    Personally, I'm all for extreme changes. Here's a few that I would make:

    1) Instead of 11v11 the game is played 8v8.

    2) Each team is allowed 18 players per game- including bench players.

    3) Maximum of six substitutions per game. Once you come off you can't go back on.

    4) Running clock, and no huddles.

    By doing this you allow the game to correct itself. The odds that some SS is going to lower the boom on a defenseless receiver on a crossing route goes down significantly if that same SS is going to be the WR when his team gets the ball back. Getting rid of huddles and substitutions means you can't have 280 lb. meatheads beating the bleeding s**t out of each other, since everyone on the gridiron is going to have to be in peak physical condition. Going 8 v 8 means more space for offensive players to roam, which should result in more scoring and a reduction in brutal blindside hits. >>



    So you want flag football? I'd rather blow the whole thing up and institute Sarcastaball rules.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • BoopottsBoopotts Posts: 6,784 ✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>I don't have all the answers obviously, but I truly feel it is not being taken serious enough. Insurance is an absolute must and if that's part paid by the NFL and part of a player contract or however that works out I have zero impact on, but more must be done and done so immediately.

    I'm not saying stop the game, but better equipment and more actual repercussions for intentional helmet hits has to be taken now. And players who did not benefit from what we know now should have some help on the medical end, from the game they have helped build into the billion dollar business it is now, I absolutely believe that. >>



    That makes sense. At first, sounded like you wanted to make extreme changes to the game. Sorry for the confusion/assumptions. >>



    Personally, I'm all for extreme changes. Here's a few that I would make:

    1) Instead of 11v11 the game is played 8v8.

    2) Each team is allowed 18 players per game- including bench players.

    3) Maximum of six substitutions per game. Once you come off you can't go back on.

    4) Running clock, and no huddles.

    By doing this you allow the game to correct itself. The odds that some SS is going to lower the boom on a defenseless receiver on a crossing route goes down significantly if that same SS is going to be the WR when his team gets the ball back. Getting rid of huddles and substitutions means you can't have 280 lb. meatheads beating the bleeding s**t out of each other, since everyone on the gridiron is going to have to be in peak physical condition. Going 8 v 8 means more space for offensive players to roam, which should result in more scoring and a reduction in brutal blindside hits. >>



    So you want flag football? I'd rather blow the whole thing up and institute Sarcastaball rules. >>



    No- they can hit each other as hard as they want. But the game isn't going to last 3 1/2 hrs., you aren't going to get to spend 10-15 minutes on the bench huffing oxygen after participating in nine consecutive plays, and everything you dish out you're going to collect with interest when possession changes.
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>No- they can hit each other as hard as they want. But the game isn't going to last 3 1/2 hrs., you aren't going to get to spend 10-15 minutes on the bench huffing oxygen after participating in nine consecutive plays, and everything you dish out you're going to collect with interest when possession changes. >>



    That sounds like Texas 7 on 7 football but with contact. No pads, helmets, or any type of protection.

    You can also shorten the game by restricting TV timeouts and have scrolling ads similar to soccer. Keep the action going to appease the audience.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Link



    << <i>One idea that Goodell predicts will get more consideration: eliminating kickoffs. >>

    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • mlbfan2mlbfan2 Posts: 3,115 ✭✭✭


    << <i>2) Each team is allowed 18 players per game- including bench players.
    >>



    That would mean ~900 NFL players would lose their jobs. Think the Players Association would go for that?!?
  • BoopottsBoopotts Posts: 6,784 ✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>2) Each team is allowed 18 players per game- including bench players.
    >>



    That would mean ~900 NFL players would lose their jobs. Think the Players Association would go for that?!? >>



    Eighteen players make the bench per game. You can have as many players on the active roster as you want.

    But to answer your question, no- I don't think the NFLPA would go for it, and neither would the NFL, for that matter (albeit for different reasons). I don't have any hope whatsoever that these changes will actually be implemented; they're just changes that I think would improve the game and, additionally, make it safer.
  • BrickBrick Posts: 4,981 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Why not go back to the leather helmets of the 20s and 30s? Today players feel invulnerable and use their head as a weapon.
    Collecting 1960 Topps Baseball in PSA 8
    http://www.unisquare.com/store/brick/

    Ralph

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