Comments on: League acknowledges possible influence of coaches on doctors who evaluate concussions

By: dietrich43

dietrich43 — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 04:14:59 +0000

Why aren’t the entire medical staffs 3rd party? But, who do they report to? The League? NFLPA? Ultimately, someone is paying doctors to give their medical opinion, and whoever is signing their checks has the ability to ‘peer over their shoulder’. Someone has to have the authority and ability to hire and fire the staffs, which puts someone in the position to influence the staff.

By: to147

to147 — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:02:07 +0000

I haven’t had time to read all the replies to all the posts on the subject so maybe this has come up before, but why not have the independent neurologists be paid by the NFLPA rather than the teams of the NFL? Seems an easy way to show that the NFLPA cares about it’s players first and foremost, and that the NFL won’t stand in it’s way on such an important point.

By: bellichickshoody

bellichickshoody — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:05:00 +0000

Can’t we get over the concussion talk? These guys are compensated monetarily for the risk. Unless you want the nfl to play without helmets, concussions will happen. That being said, all the concussion talk is ruining the game. Moms don’t want their kids to play youth football anymore because they may get a concussion. Even at the pro level, the game is morphing into two hand touch. In a few years, all this concussion nonsense will kill the game we all know and love. Its already started to.

There are plenty of jobs that men do in America that have inherent dangers associated with them and for a lot less money.

College players get compensated with a free education. nfl players get paid millions of dollars…if they don’t want to risk concussion, they can opt to be safe by working in a cubicle for $30,000 per year.

Everyone involved knows the risk. I think most of America would risk a concussion or two for a multi million dollar payday.

The press focuses on the small minority who have post concussion problems. Instead of the multitude of players who have had a concussion and suffer no problems later in life.

Anyone who has played the game, even High School players, have gotten their “bell rung.” 99% live normal lives today.

Your constant focus on the concussions will only end up ruining the game. We all know the risk and so do the players. Lets let them make the decision with their own futures.

By: usmutts

usmutts — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:58:10 +0000

Doctors aren’t going to be “bought and sold” says this doctor who derives income from the league.

Bull.

Doctors are bought and sold everyday. Ask anyone in the legal profession or the pharmaceutical profession. Throughout this nation, thousands and thousands of doctors are nothing but waterboys for insurance companies and drug manufacturers. No difference in the NFL.

By: bellichickshoody

bellichickshoody — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:49:32 +0000

Can electricians file a lawsuit if they get electrocuted? Who knew that could happen?

Plus An “independent neurologist” doesn’t mean he won’t be biased against another team. It just means that they don’t work directly for the team.

For example, if I grew up a bears fan in chicago, then I would have the power to keep Rodgers off the field until I thought he was ready to play…which would probably be when he was down 3 td’s with under 2 minutes to play. Just to be sure “in the name of safety”

Isn’t there a waiver form that all NFL players can sign if they want to play?

By: dannyduberstein7

dannyduberstein7 — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:57:01 +0000

fast forward to 2015 when Jim Schwartz is suspended for 5 games after choking out the independent neurologist who wouldnt allow Stafford to return to the game.

By: kairn42

kairn42 — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:44:18 +0000

While I agree certain members of teams may be influenced by certain other members of the team (and to think this NEVER happens is foolish and absurd IMO), there’s a much easier and simpler place to start…

MANDATE hip pads, thigh pads, mouthpieces, and properly fitted helmets.

The fact that the League HAS YET to do any of this makes any efforts on their part for bigger changes to player safety just ring hollow.

By: macbull

macbull — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:20:51 +0000

If the NFL focused on upgrading the quality of their football helmets, none of this would be necessary…the doctors or trainers looking over the shoulder of the team medical staff.

There have been football helmets much safer than the helmets used today…used by a few NFL players who’s careers were threatened by frequent concussions. The new helmet designs, though they successfully protected the players, have been ignored by the NFL as a solution, for some reason, maybe Riddell, maybe legal exposer.

Preventing concussions should be the focus of the NFL…instead, we discuss how many doctors and trainers are to be on the sidelines.

jmho…mac

By: thingamajig

thingamajig — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:13:30 +0000

Back on the soapbox.

By: bangitfootball

bangitfootball — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 20:54:04 +0000

Roger Goodell is ruing a great game. Put dresses on em.