Amani Toomer: Kurt Warner is trying to trash the game of football

AP

We noted today that Kurt Warner said he would prefer that his sons not play football, because the risk of injuries scares him as a father. Those comments don’t sit well with all of Warner’s fellow former players.

Amani Toomer said today on NBC SportsTalk that he takes issue with Warner’s comments, and he believes it’s incumbent on men who have benefitted from the game of football to support the game.

“I’d definitely have my son to play football,” Toomer said. “That’s what the Toomer family does. We all play football. But what this reminds me of is the guy at the basketball court, who once he gets done playing takes the ball and ruins the game for everybody else. I think Kurt Warner needs to keep his opinions to himself when it comes to this. Everything that he’s gotten in his life has come from playing football. He works at the NFL Network right now. For him to try and trash the game, it seems to me that it’s just a little disingenuous to me.”

Here are Toomer’s comments:

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169 responses to “Amani Toomer: Kurt Warner is trying to trash the game of football

  1. To think I agree with Amani Toomer. What’s the world coming to ???

  2. Soooo Toomer can say what he wants, but Warner should keep his opinions to himself? Um yeah, I don’t think so.

  3. Should Amani Toomer be quiet about the subject he is telling Kurt Warner to be quiet about? I wonder what makes his opinion more valuable than Warners?

  4. Wow! Someone who is going to bash Kurt Warner is really low. I am not particularly a Warner fan, but come on! The guy represents everything that is good with the NFL. He is simply stating that PEOPLE ARE GETTING BRAIN DAMAGE FROM THE SPORT AND HE WOULD RATHER HIS KIDS EARN A LIVING WITH THEIR BRAIN RATHER THAN SACRIFICING THEIR HEALTH! What a jerk! How dare he!

  5. Warner can say whatever he wants. He runs the risk of getting fired by the NFL Network, but that is between the two of them.

  6. So while Warner says he’d discourage his kids from playing football, but ultimately leave the decision up to them, Toomer is basically saying he’ll force his kids to play football and he thinks Warner is the one who has an issue?

  7. i agree wit toomer it does seem phony for a guy who was packing groceries to trash the nfl every chance he get …. warner can raise his sons to be kickers if he is afraid of them gettin hurt

  8. Is he not entitled to his opinion Amani??? Just as you are entitled to your opinion, he is entitled to his. Who the F are you to think you have any right whatsoever to tell somebody they have no right to voice their opinion!

  9. Amani Toomer needs to realize that people can do whatever the hell they want to do in life, as long as they’re not hurting anyone else.

    I bet he thinks everyone should worship Jesus, too.

  10. I heard the interview. He didn’t say he wouldn’t let them play. And he said his kids do play football and love it…it just makes him nervous sometimes. I’m a dad. I get it, Kurt.

  11. This is shocking, but I agree with Amani this time. Kurt Warner wouldn’t be what he is today without the game of football.

  12. Toomer is spot on. Would anyone give crap what you say if you were still bagging groceries and dating that dude from Duran Duran?

  13. Kurt Warner’s comments were less about “trashing the game” and more about facing the realities of the current football landscape while being a parent. Hardly something for Amani Toomer to get worked up about.

  14. Toomer is absolutely right.

    It is entirely hypocritical for Warner to wait until after retirement to start disparaging the game for its dangerous nature. If his kids are too good for football, he should’ve set a better example and remained a grocery clerk.

    Not very Christian-like to forego your values to chase money, Kurt.

  15. So, Amani’s opinion on this is that Warner needs to keep his opinions to himself. That’s fairly idiotic.

    There is nothing wrong with what Warner said.

  16. “I think Kurt Warner needs to keep his opinions to himself when it comes to this. ”

    Right Amani, but your opinion is ok, right?

    How can you fault a guy – knowing what he has experienced regarding the brutality of the sport and seeing the after effects of head injuries around him – for saying he’d rather not see his sons play the sport? He never said he’d forbid them, he commented as a concerned parent.

    Get a grip Amani.

  17. Warner had no intention other than to speak his mind. Football is a dangerous game, there’s no question about it. I hope you find a reality that works for you, Toomer.

  18. Sorry Toomer…. Warner has earned the right to speak his mind.

    He got asked a question and he answered it. He didn’t throw anyone under the bus. If anyone can appreciate the value of what sacrifice is, its the guy who went from a grocery bagger to Super Bowl MVP.

  19. I listen to the interview on the Dan Patrick show..Patrick asked Kurt the question about his kids, and he just honestly answered it..he did not come across as trying to trash the game of football..he sounded humble and honest..Amani just sounds like a fool

  20. Good for Toomer if he feels that way…and his sorry a$$ better never end up suing the league like all those other former players. Would hate for him to turn out to be a hypocrite.

  21. So Kurt Warner doesn’t want his kid’s playing football, so what. Amani needs to worry about his own kids.

  22. Warner is not alone:

    Troy Aikman worried about NFL’s status as the No. 1 sport

    Former NFL quarterback Troy Aikman expressed concerns about the NFL’s future Friday during a forum discussing “Is L.A. Ready for the NFL,” sponsored by Zócalo Public Square.

    When the subject of concussions was brought up, Aikman said the league may be at a critical point in its history.

    Aikman does not have a son, but said, “if I did, I wouldn’t tell him he couldn’t play football. If he wanted to, I would say ‘OK, great.’ But I don’t know if I would be encouraging him to play. Whereas, with the other sports, you want your kids to be active and doing those types of things.”

    “I believe, and this is my opinion, that at some point football is not going to be the No. 1 sport. You talk about the ebbs and flows of what’s popular and what’s not. At some point, the TV ratings are not going to be there.”

  23. I see where Kurt is coming from, not gonna say he’s trashing the game, he’s a concerned parent

  24. Wth is wrong with some peoples comprehension skills? In no way did Warner trash the game. He made a valid point that the game is violent and would prefer that his kids make a living of something less violent AND then says if they choose to play football that he will support hem. Just cause Warner played football doesn’t mean he SHOULD WANT his kids to make a living the same way.. its a hard living and no parent wants to see their kid go through physical tolls.

    Its like a professional boxer.. do u think they would want their kids to make a living off taking punches? Hell no.. I’m sure they would want them to take an interest but that’s a helluva lot different then making a living. Again, if the kid CHOOOSES to make a living like that.. its all support.

  25. So two Dads weigh in with different opinions. What on EARTH is the big deal???

  26. All Kurt said was it worries him as a dad. Didn’t trash the NFL one bit. Parents get worried when their children are getting smacked by 300lb behemoths.

  27. Steven Jackson has said things similiar to Warner about his kids playing pro football. I believe he said he would rather them play a sport with a round ball and not have to repeat the physical sacrifices he has made.

    I respect both Warner and Jackson. Toomer is just a dummy and doesnt see the big picture.

  28. Kurt Warner can respond to Toomer’s comments during his speech in Canton someday. Kurt Warner has done more the game of football than Toomer could ever dream of. Just shut up.

  29. I get Warner’s POV, he doesnt want his children to get hurt.

    I get Toomer’s POV, Warner is hurting the game that took him form a supermarket, to a multi-millionaire beloved athlete.

    Both make good points, because it isnt a simple right/wrong issue.

  30. Anxious to see when Toomers name comes up on the concussion complaint list now

  31. I agree with Toomer. He is running down the industry which gave him millions & has a strong tie in to his current job. If he feels that way about football, quit his job, give back his MVP awards and superbowl ring.

  32. And might I add…theres plenty of guys trying to ruin the name of football, just check your local police blotter

  33. It’s one thing for Toomer to say he disagrees with Warner that football is in fact safe to play, including for children. It’s absurd for Toomer to claim that Warner owes some oath of silence in respect of football because Warner had a successful career in the NFL. That’s bunk.

  34. Concepts like honesty and concern for fellow man are apparently alien to Mr. Toomer.

    Or at best, not as important as football.

  35. Warner is a clown. He’d be better off saving souls with Jesus Tebow. Leave football to others.

  36. I agree with the guy why is mostly everyone here telling him to be quiet ? He has his opinion and the Man is right warner gets everything from football ,and those who agree with warner shouldn’t even watch football since they are so concerned with the health of players they should just boycott the nfl all together if it really hurts you that much when James Harrison strikes

  37. Be a father and watch a 9 year old get carted off in an ambulance after being unconscious for 3 minutes with a concussion. It’ll give you some perspective.

  38. toomer has the right to say what he said because he played the game at the pro level. everyone one else shut the fxxk up!

  39. “Amani Toomer said today on NBC Sports Talk that he takes issue with Warner’s comments, and he believes it’s incumbent on men who have benefitted from the game of football to support the game.”

    How about those who benefited from the game support those who played it when it was done for a nickel, no real health care nor retirement and are now walking around like zombies. Wanna give up some of that loot there Amani? Come on, SUPPORT THE GAME!!

  40. I guess Toomer must feel the same way about the concussion lawsuit participants? Or… Are they justified in tearing down the game Mr Toomer?

  41. Sounds kind of like talking to your kids about smoking pot.

    “Yeah, I did it growing up, but you shouldn’t. It’s bad for you.”

  42. polishkingski says:May 3, 2012 8:34 PM

    toomer has the right to say what he said because he played the game at the pro level. everyone one else shut the fxxk up

    ———————

    He has a right to say what he said because of freedom of speech, not because he played the game at the pro level. But what he said is idiotic. Warner doesn’t want his kid to play. He’s being honest. What’s wrong with that. One guys opinion isn’t trashing the game.

  43. Right now God is thinking “I turned water into wine, and a bag boy into an NFL MVP and this is the thanks I get?”

  44. mushin9 says:May 3, 2012 8:34 PM

    Be a father and watch a 9 year old get carted off in an ambulance after being unconscious for 3 minutes with a concussion. It’ll give you some perspective.
    __________________

    How often does that happen? He can get that from riding his bike. Do you stop all the kids from all physical activities that can POSSIBLY hurt them? There’s your perspective.

  45. Toomer is craving for confusion. First his war of words with Jeremy Shockey and now attacking Kurt Warner for no reason. Ah, the need for the spotlight…Toomer misses these things. And always with other former Giants players. Go figure.

  46. Be a father and watch a 9 year old get carted off in an ambulance after being unconscious for 3 minutes with a concussion. It’ll give you some perspective.
    _____________________________________

    Be a father and watch a 9 year old get carted off on the shoulders of his teammates after scoring the winning TD. It’ll give you some perspective.

  47. That is ridiculous. How dare Kurt Warner not want his children to bash their skulls continuously until they get a debilitating disease that drives them clinically crazy. Until they finally can’t stand the pain and memory loss along with the patterns of mental and physical abuse they will probably commit against others. Then to cap it all off they with either die and early death or commit suicide. What kind of a father is this guy.

  48. Amani Toomer has a degree from the University of MI

    Kurt Warner was bagging groceries.

    And you guys seriously think Warner is the smarter of the two???

  49. toomer is an idiot.. i’ve heard plenty of former players say they would rather have their sons play golf or tennis… its a brutal sport and anyone in their right mind that loves their kids doesn’t want them getting hurt…

  50. I never liked Kurt Warner…now I REALLY don’t like him. I have to take Toomer’s side on this one.

  51. Skating boarding, BMX bike, scooters etc are dangerous too. If your kids want t play let them play. But I would definitely recommend beside team sports to get your kids to play a sport they can play forever ie:golf tennis etc…I’m still having football withdrawals.

  52. Football is a violent game. There are risks. More people get concussions from car crashes then football games so Warner probably does not want his kids to drive

  53. I know a doctor who does not want his son to be a doctor. His reasoning is the high price of insurance and lawsuits. Kurt has every right to his opinion.

  54. So Warner get’s his from football, sure, and maybe now see’s some of the downside longterm and would prefer to see his children maybe consider going another direction in their lives for safety’s sake based on his first hand experience…can’t blame a Dad. He’s not banning them, just voicing his concern.

  55. Just cause he would prefer his sons not to play football doesn’t mean he’s trashing football. Toomer should shut the #%+£¥ up.

  56. The end of football is near. Once this CBA ends, I doubt teams will be able to insure themselves.

    This game is coming to an end. No need to build new stadiums… unless it is for soccer.

    Its over.

  57. Kurt has the right to his opinion!!!!!

    We have enough media and periodic news cycles for us to forget about what Kurt Warner said!!!

    The bigger problem is the talk of the current NFL game being dangerous and saying it in the tone that it was worthy of being said 10 years ago right after Brian Billick came on “PFT Live” and called the current game “basketball on grass”!!!!

    Also, how many old school people keep saying “there’s no fear across the middle” when talking about wide receivers and a guy like Michael Lombardi saying that one day there won’t be safeties and that he thinks one day it’ll just be all cornerbacks lined up in all of the defensive back formations?????

    The lawsuits feature players from the past!!!! Class action lawsuits (no disrespect to the editor of the website and ex-attorney) seem to just add names after names after names to create leverage!!!! I feel for past players that were not properly advised, but DON’T talk about problems that dealt with yesterday’s players with regard to the present ones!!!!

    BTW, what’s this????
    http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/26/concussions-on-kickoffs-drop-sharply-in-2011/

  58. So a guy who played football wouldn’t want his kids hurt? That’s called being a dad..he can have his opinion just as Toomer does his…whichever if Toomer checked Warner’s resume..its a bit a bit more accomplished than his

  59. So should Warner seek Amani Toomer’s opinion on when Warner should have his kids go to sleep as well? Warner was just speaking as a parent. Nobody has ever watched their kid play a contact sport and felt a little uneasy about it. It’s your kid you’re gonna feel a certain way.

  60. They’re both allowed their opinion on the matter. However, never tell another man who is trying to do right by his children, how he should raise them. Thats just bad form MrToomer. If Kurt doesn’t want his kids in the DANGEROUS game of football that is his prerogative.

  61. dgbk really? “a guy who was packing groceries to trash the nfl every chance he get” I would honestly like for you to go and find anything that shows Kurt Warner ever trashing the NFL.

  62. An ambulance chaser wants his kid to be partner at the biggest law firm. Bricklayer wantts a doctor. Truck driver wants a lawyer , etc. These people do what they can to better theirs and their families life. They work hard at it, even take pride in it but realise tthere are less strenuous waus to make it.

    So am fine with Warner. Fine too with Amani…don’t trash what goy you where you are and you still represent.
    What pissess me off is that this giy spent hia entire creer telling us it’s not about the money. When contract negotiations were booged down…it’s not about the money it’s loce for the game. It’s respect it’s the Organization showing they want me.
    This shows otherwise. It tells me that it was all about the money. You always looked at it as a means to an end. Just like the driver, the bricklayer etc. Pride in your craft yes, but you lied when you kept uttering those empty words while holding out for the cash.
    If you wede such a devout man why not say it then? Why not be truthful?
    Liars!

  63. Hard to believe I agree with Toomer on something. But Warner is a douche so this is a layup

  64. dgbk says:
    May 3, 2012 8:07 PM

    i agree wit toomer it does seem phony for a guy who was packing groceries to trash the nfl every chance he get …. warner can raise his sons to be kickers if he is afraid of them gettin hurt

    ________________________

    You’re an absolute idiot. What does Warner stocking shelves have to do with anything? It was his job while he was trying to break into the NFL (for you, it’d be a career high). He isn’t trashing football and even if it was, it would be a first.

    And I have a feeling just about any kicker could kick your whiny little ass.

  65. I agree with Amani. It seems like Kurt Warner hasn’t said anything good about the game since he left. Warner played 15 years in the NFL, at some points as a backup QB. If he didn’t like the way the game was being played then why did he keep at it to be a starting QB? I’m all for guys having opinions, however, sticking in the league for 15 years then saying all negative things about how the game is playd does seem disingenuous.

  66. I listen to sports talk radio all day and I have heard multiple former players say the same exact thing as Kurt. No problem for me.

  67. As a wanna be that never got past semi pro……..but I have “at least” three concussions on record , I can tell you that this stuff never affected me until min 10 yrs after. I’m not even sure the dots connect and not sure they even could be, but…….depression, mania, substance usage and abuse. All of that is part of the rollout…….it’s hard to explain when it’s happening right now and Im not sure if I was meant to be and act like something or someone else……..I love football big time but god bless any player bc I feel their pain!

  68. I have a question (actually many, but this relates to the NFL):

    Why does Amani Toomer get so many chances to answer questions?

    Say you have a decade pass of former players out there………Amani Toomer this, Amani Toomer that? Really?

    Media: Gay, Race, Amani, Bush, Global Warming, Gay, Amani, Race, Bush, Gay, Muslim, Gay, Amani, Bush.

    What about Michael McCrary? What does he think? or Darrell Green? Amani, Amani, Amani…..please help me Rhonda.

  69. The other thing, why do so many people love to attack good people. Warner is such a good man, why would you take shots at him? There are so many scuzballs, yet people attack the good ones. Kinda sad really.

    BTW, he is not the first person wondering if their kid should play football.

  70. So, where’s the part where Warner says he doesn’t want his kids to play football, because it wasn’t in the clip they just played. All Warner said, was that when it comes to his kids, there are elements of the game that scare him. That’s not saying he doesn’t want his boys to play football, it’s just concern as a dad. Just ask any dad, who has a daughter. He probably is scared of his daughter dating, but he doesn’t let that fear prevent her from going out on a date.

    Looks like Amani Toomer took to many blows to the head, because his comprehension skills suck.

  71. @lolb23

    University of Michigan, the most overrated school in the country!!!

    Their athletes are so dumb, Mario Manningham got a 6 on the Wonderlic!!!!

    Plus, Jim Harbaugh was dumb enough to talk about how the athletes get the easy courses!!!! Genius??? Good education???

    Plus, the affirmative action scandal in 2003!!!!

    University of Michigan students and alums act as if their stupid school is #1 in everything when they’re only #1 in ONE thing only, unearned arrogance!!!!

  72. I think we all want our children to have better lives than we were able to have. . . quite frankly Warner’s kid is never to go wanting for a buck so why can’t he wish his son does not risk himself to an ever growing violent sport. Don’t get me wrong I love watching every Sunday but when you have 6’3″ 265lb guys running the 40 in 4.6 ad hitting people like seldgehammers Kurt may not want his kids to follow his path and actually be able to count to 10 when they are 50 ! He’s just being honest. Back off Amani !

  73. djstat says:
    May 3, 2012 8:48 PM
    Football is a violent game. There are risks. More people get concussions from car crashes then football games so Warner probably does not want his kids to drive

    ————————————————–
    Are you serious with this? This can’t be a real comment you must be doing some kind of a bit or just think your funny. There’s 7 billion people in the world say 1/4 drive that’s roughly 1.75 billion people are you surprised there’s more concussions from driving? On what planet can you compare driving to huge men slamming into each other over and over and over again. Ok so instead of driving let’s compare it to something more realistic like banging your forehead into a brick wall continuously for a couple hours every sunday like offensive and defensive lineman do. Do you think it’s just a coincidence these ex-players that are dying in their 40’s and 50’s have the brains of 80 year old altzheimer’s patients. Yeah he should just let his kids play, so when they turn 40 they too can put a shotgun to their chest and kill themselves. All you idiots that can’t understand that the man just made a statement that he wants to protect the health of his children are unbelievable. I don’t think the the most popular sport in america is really going to suffer because Kurt Warner said he doesn’t want his kids to play.

  74. If everyone cares about football, vote the whackjobs out of government and get some tort reform and freedoms back.

    If people want to play and take risks, it is still mostly a free country. Tell the attorneys to bite it. Tell the libs to quit telling you how to live. Tell everyone to leave you alone.

    Just like cigarettes. Govt says it is bad, fines big tobacco over $1B, and yet lets them keep doing it as they want your money!!!!!!!!

    Wake up peeps, keep your freedom and keep your football.

  75. Pro football doesn’t need Warner to trash it, it’s trashing itself pretty thoroughly.

    Brought to you avidly by its reporters, tripping over themselves to be the best at bringing you — live! — their golden goose killing itself.

  76. rodge1 says:
    May 3, 2012 8:02 PM
    Who’s Amani Toomer?
    ____________________________________

    The All time leading receiver in Giants History Super Bowl wining Receiver and who might u be ya dolt??

  77. This story belongs in the WHO CARES?files. Warner’s statements are totally harmless and why such inarticulate vitriol from Toomer? If a past president of the U.S. said that he wouldn’t want one of his kids to become president due to the grueling nature of the job, is that a slap at the presidency? (though it might’ve been nice if George W. would’ve discouraged junior) Why the uproar over an opinion that is wholly without controversy? And why is it that these non-stories cause so many of us to take the time and point out their insignificance? When does the season start so we can actually talk football?

  78. I listened to the interview with Cowherd when Warner made these comments and within the context of the conversation he responded like a good father! Amani Toomer is simply running his mouth for the sake of running his mouth, as if anyone should value his opinion.

  79. Everyone is on a warpath against football. Well, I am sorry but football is a game that we all love. Do we really want it to be destroyed… the concussion issue has the potential, & to be honest the mistakes are all in the past. I think that more awareness is needed, that CTE is just a name for something that has no treatment or objective diagnosis. What good is a post-mortem diagnosis to anyone? I would say nothing, the key is prevention. I think that is happening as we speak

  80. Funny how everyone is telling Amani Toomer to be quiet because he is telling Kurt Warner to be quiet. Isn’t Toomer just voicing HIS opinion as well? Maybe they should both be allowed to be heard.

  81. Much like in politics, the line between the ignorant and the informed is growing brighter and wider by the day.

  82. Warner has every right in the world to say whether he wants his kids to play ball or not. He has the cash where they don’t have to worry about money so if that’s what he wants I’m sure that’s what he will get.

  83. shut up amani!!! just shut up! you made a great catch in the superbowl. its over! let it go!!!

  84. Kurt Warner is a bit of a phony. Saw him blow off a 6 year old at training camp. He also still sounds bitter at Eli from losing his job years ago.

  85. “But what this reminds me of is the guy at the basketball court, who once he gets done playing takes the ball and ruins the game for everybody else.” How does hoping your children choose to find a different way of making a living, one that doesn’t involve great physical risk, equate a man to a guy trying to ruin everyone’s fun? My father was a military man, & he wouldn’t let me even speak to a recruiter in high school because he felt like he did that so his sons could go to college & find careers that didn’t come with such risks. So in Amani Toomer’s world is my father some sort of Anti-American army hater?

    At no point did Kurt Warner say he was forbidding his sons from playing football, he merely said as a concerned father he’d prefer they not, probably nearly turning into a vegetable to provide for them MAY have had something to do with it.

  86. Honestly i think both guys have a point.

    I can understand Warner worrying about his children–im sure he’s worried for himself—he took a pounding under Martz.

    But i also understand Toomer’s response. How can anyone not love this game?

    my body’s all messed up, but id do it again 🙂

  87. Amani is spot on. Warner had plenty of chances to quit after the first concussion. I havent seen anyone coming out of college yet be deterred not to go pro with opportunity to do so. There is a reason they get paid an insane amount of money. I dont complain when they try to break the bank either.

  88. I hope that you guys complaining about the violence of football and its long term effects aren’t fans of UFC… Somehow I get the feeling your still going to watch football and enjoy human dog fighting i mean UFC…

  89. Warner isn’t the only person to voice concerns of football on the health of players. In fact, Troy Aikman made similar comments.

    And, Troy won 3 super bowls. If Aikman isn’t someone that loves the game, then NO ONE loves the game.

    My point is, even some of the most successful players have voiced similar concerns. Those players aren’t any less fans of the game than Armani.

  90. Kurt Warner has earned the right to speak how he feels with regards to the risks of playing football. Clearly the NFL Network welcomes his thoughts b/c he’s given a forum to speak them. Is it possible that Toomer is jealous that Warner is on the shields network? More than possible.

  91. One can both care about the game and criticize its faults. Chief among the fault is an apparent flaw in safety. Ironic that Toomer raises ire about a target in the despicable Saints bounty program.

  92. Warner is speaking as a father; he’s not bashing the game. He knows the risks involved because he lived through it. My son is 9 and will begin his first year of football. He wants to give it a go, and although I have my reservations as a father, I won’t allow myself to hold him back. Warner is speaking the parental language…we all rode bikes, but what was it like for our parents to finally allow us to ride out of their sight? Anything can happen, good or bad, but as a parent, there comes a time when we have to let fear of the unknown go, and allow our kids go for it.

  93. aldavisisthenfl says: May 3, 2012 8:00 PM

    I totally agree with you Amani…….

    I guess Kurt would prefer they work nights stocking shelves is a supermarket like he was doing…..
    ————
    Or they’re set for life because Kurt Warner isn’t a dumb jig who will spend all his millions on worthless luxuries.

  94. “Everything that he’s gotten in his life has come from playing football.”

    Not his kids and they’re more important to him than football. As they should be.

  95. Heard Bernard Pollard on the radio today saying the same thing, he doesn’t want his kids playing football because of health risks.

  96. Careful Amani… it’s that same overemphasis of the importance of football in life that contributed to Junior Seau’s depression.

    It’s ok if Warner doesn’t want his kid playing football. No need to get upset.

  97. Toomer is a joke. Warner has every right to express his opinion regarding HIS sons playing football. He ‘s not trashing the game. Toomer’s comments are asinine, asiten, asieleven, etc…….

  98. Everyone can bash Toomer but what is he really trying to do? PROTECT the game of football. Every real football player and fan loves the game for what it is and we are all watching it change now more than ever. It’s never going to sit well when you go after a father being protective of his children and that is understandable, but I have to agree with Amani. If players start to say the game is too dangerous what’s going to stop super hippie mom or average Joe non athletic law maker from taking our game away? I’m all for changes in helmets and equipment to make the game safer, but I, like Amani, am worried my kids won’t even have the opportunity to play the same sport we did. A CONTACT sport.

    That said, love the Kurt Warner story, wish him all the best.

  99. outlawshark says: May 3, 2012 8:40 PM

    How often does that happen? He can get that from riding his bike. Do you stop all the kids from all physical activities that can POSSIBLY hurt them? There’s your perspective.
    __________________
    Once was enough for me when it was my kid on the field. I watched those parents crying for their boy. I didn’t yank him out of football, but when the season was over and he didn’t want to play anymore I didn’t raise one word of protest.

    I discourage my kid from partaking in any risky behavior. He’s well, my kid. I can’t stop him, but I will never encourage him to take part in an activity that I think will harm him long term.

    We’re not talking about abstracts here, were talking about our children.

    Perspective

  100. lolb23 says: May 3, 2012 8:42 PM

    Be a father and watch a 9 year old get carted off on the shoulders of his teammates after scoring the winning TD. It’ll give you some perspective.
    __
    Watching Junior Seau’s mom on TV brought me more insight into how she felt about her boy than any other time I saw her….

    You think Ali’s kids would have given those belts back if they had more time with their dad?

    I know it seems like we are playing Madden here. Head’s up. We’re not.

  101. I would bet money….that if Deion or T.O. would’ve said they wouldn’t let their sons play football. There would’ve been a whole DIFFERENT RESPONSE!!!! 99% of the comments would’ve been in the area of “If it wasn’t for fball, u would still be in the ghetto” or what else would u be doing besides flipping burgers, and a bunch of “football kept u out of jail like ur homies!!! But since it’s squeaky clean Kurt…….no one can question his statement???? I KNOW if it was the other way around, people would still defend Kurt and be saying Amani doesn’t appreciate football the way good ole Kurt does!!! That old DOUBLE STANDARD as usual!!

  102. Toomer will sing a different song when he is unable to function like a normal human being in about ten years.

  103. Toomer has just proven he has gotten too many hits to the head. I feel sorry for his kids.

  104. you know what, I dont want my kids to be artists, because they may have alternate thoughts, may do drugs, struggle with depression for being intuitive, may derail them from being status quo,….because as we know, the status quo…is just the F right…

    Seriously, F all the nazis and the lawyers, this has been going on forever…they need socialized management of their lives and money, not someone destroying the game….

    I cant sstand modern americans (second s intended)

  105. I’m ok with both men’s comments. I would never let my son play football, but kurt should be consistent and quit any work for the nfl. you can’t trash the league and continue to earn your living from it

  106. What on earth, is wrong with a parent wanting a child to use his brain for gainful employment, rather than donating, his brain ,playing football ?
    The decision is the children s to make and Kurt would support them, whatever decision they made.

  107. Unfortunately for Toomer’s kids, given the genetics of their situation, it looks like it has to be football or digging ditches for a living.

    I’m sure networks are just lining up to sign Toomer to their network. Maybe he can replace Sapp.

  108. Unfortunately for Toomer’s kids, given the genetics of their situation, it looks like it has to be football or digging ditches for a living.

  109. Hey Amani!!!! If Warner doesn’t want his son to go through what he went through playing football, IT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!!!! It’s his son. Warner is entitled to his opinion, just like you.

  110. nyfan63 says:
    May 3, 2012 8:40 PM
    And Tiki is……………………..
    ——————————-

    Flabbergasted?

    That. Just. Happened.

  111. rayandrayleadtheway says:
    May 3, 2012 11:16 PM
    Everyone can bash Toomer but what is he really trying to do? PROTECT the game of football. Every real football player and fan loves the game for what it is and we are all watching it change now more than ever. It’s never going to sit well when you go after a father being protective of his children and that is understandable, but I have to agree with Amani. If players start to say the game is too dangerous what’s going to stop super hippie mom or average Joe non athletic law maker from taking our game away? I’m all for changes in helmets and equipment to make the game safer, but I, like Amani, am worried my kids won’t even have the opportunity to play the same sport we did. A CONTACT sport.

    That said, love the Kurt Warner story, wish him all the best.
    ————————————–

    Dude, Kurt Warner was not “trashing the game of football.” He said as a parent he wouldn’t want his sons to play. He later clarified, where it became evident he probably let his instincts to protect his sons cause him to speak too soon. As for Toomer: Even if Warner hadn’t clarified….even if he had said “I loved football but there is no way I’m letting my sons play it. It’s too dangerous”—then Toomer should still shut his cake hole. Warner has every right to express his opinion as a father. Toomer should have nothing to say other than he agrees or disagrees with the comments. In fact, I’d prefer if he would not speak out—because NO ONE CARES WHAT AMANI TOOMER THINKS.

  112. Amani who? Who cares what he thinks.

    Amani Toomer is trying to kickstart his broadcasting career, and this is merely a “shock jock” comment that he hopes will get him the attention he’s badly lacked.

    Just another media also-run looking to “Glen-Beck it up” and scream his way into a career.

    Kurt’s speaking as a dad. That’s the bottom line. That’s all he was doing. Sorry his concern for his kids and their well-being conflicts with your “brand mission”.

  113. Amani Toomer you sir are a complete tool!!! Kurt Warner can do whatever he wants to with his kids and if he wants to scream it into a megaphone from a mountain top, that is his right! You want to object fine but but your opinion means NOTHING when is comes to how someone else wants to raise their kids. Kurt is speaking as a concerned parent who has a right to make decisions about his child’s well being. If he decided that it was okay for his kids to play football that would be his right too.

    Just because a person’s opinion is different than yours doesn’t make it wrong. Your quote “What he said was very damaging to the sport.” Give me a freakin break! You know what else is very damaging to the sport? Acting like injuries don’t exist and playing them down like they don’t have long-term effects.

    Keep in mind that the same players who think they can hit however they want and think that causing serious injuries is just a part of football are the same idiots who will try to sue the NFL when they’re 50, broke, drinking their supper through a tube and trying to remember the name of the nurse changing their Depends!

  114. Football needs to display health warning stickers on the uniforms proportionately in size to what is displayed on a cigarette pack.

  115. So it’s alright for Warner to make a good part of his living right now as a talking head commenting about the on field football exploits of my son…….but he doesn’t want his own sons playing.

    It’s alright for someone else’s son to go out on the field and take the risks of making the highlights that Warner earns his living “talking” about on NFL Network, but he doesn’t want his own sons out there making the same highlights.

    It’s alright for him to earn a paycheck, hyping the NFL, it’s Superl Bowl and it’s dangerous game that someone else’s son plays and which he himself played and to which owes everything he owns, but his own sons are too good to play for football.

    It’s OK for your son to play it, and for Warner to make his living commenting on their exploits which they achieved under some risk, but his own son’s???…..no, he doesn’t want them playing.

    Warner is a hypocrite.

  116. Mr. Drug Dealer: Um, yeah, I’d let my kid be a drug dealer if he wants despite the risks to his life. I mean, everything I/we have is because of crack, why should I hold my kid back from selling it as well?

    F’ing Toomer, you idiot. Knowingly letting your kid do something that has shown to potentially give your kid long lasting problems at the very small chance to make it big (which would further increase risks) is just stupid.

    This, coming from a man who loves NFL more than any other sport and more than many things. But my child will NOT be playing. Makes you a good parent for at least considering it.

  117. @1armanisuit – look up the word hypocrite. It doesn’t fit.

    Warner played when all this information wasn’t fully know. Hence the large amounts of lawsuits being filed. Warner also made it clear his mental health due to concussions almost made him retire once (remember that?) and was a factor when he DID retire.

    So, now that things are becoming more and more clear about concussions, he’s fully on board with how serious the issue is and would rather his kids don’t play.

    It’s no hypocrisy… it’s a change of mind once new information has become available.

    Seeing how you think, how’s your life going considering you view things through such narrow blinders?
    Pfft.. sad.

  118. kingbeason52 says:
    May 3, 2012 8:12 PM
    I listen to the interview on the Dan Patrick show..Patrick asked Kurt the question about his kids, and he just honestly answered it..he did not come across as trying to trash the game of football..he sounded humble and honest..Amani just sounds like a fool
    ______________________________

    You listened to the entire interview with Kurt Warner.

    You read an article containing some statements by Amani Toomer.

    So in one case – you got all the facts and in the other – you read an article that has a headline and content designed to make the reader have a particular opinion afterwards.

    And you’re making judgment out of it???? While you are aware that Warner’s full story wasn’t being told, did it ever occur to you that Toomer’s full story wasn’t being told?

    This is why people are seriously getting dumber and so easily influenced – because they don’t look up the information for themselves and react to partial facts and the opinion of others.

  119. Warner was a great NFL player, but he is also a father. He has the right to be concerned for his childrens future. If I worked in a coal mine, I wouldn’t want my kids to do the same. Many men don’t want their kids to follow them in their professions. It’s his business, not Toomers.

  120. As a father myself, I’m sympathetic to Kurt Warner’s comments. You don’t want to see your kids hurt.

    The other thing to keep in mind is that maybe Kurt Warner would be ok with his sons playing if they taught kids to tackle correctly and not concuss each other on a regular basis. The issue is out there, whether Toomer likes it or not…and some parents WILL discourage their kids from playing.

    If Warner’s comments call attention to the health issues in football and help the league make the game safer, then Warner will have done more to help the game than Toomer.

    Silence in the face of a serious issue is never better than having an open dialogue.

  121. Toomer needs to play quarterback for the Rams and tell us if his opinion changes after the first couple 50 sack seasons.

  122. @bigfuzzy:

    “Not fully known”???? Are you kidding??

    If Warner played professional football in the NFL, and he most certainly did, then he had FIRST HAND knowledge of just how dangerous the sport is/was during the time he was playing it.

    Especially back during the time he played when there was no Hines Ward rule, no horses collar rule, no helmet to helmet contact rules.

    He knew, and he has known, just how violent the game is, heck, he had better than a ringside seat, he was a participant, and no doubt saw many a devastating hit while he was playing.

    He’d have to be a complete idiot to not know that such hits would not have lasting effects on those who took them.

    This whole business about how the players “weren’t informed” or “didn’t know”, of the long term consequences of playing professional football in the NFL, is bunk.

    The problem I have with Warner, is it’s alright for him to earn his living describing, narrating the carnage going on on that football field, and glamorizing the game on NFL network, where other people’s sons are battling it out, and where he once himself did so as well, for fame and fortune.

    But now, it’s not good enough for his own sons.

    It’s OK if your son gets broken in half out there on that field, heck, Warner will even happily narrate it for the audience and happily accept a paycheck for doing so.

    But his own sons, ……no.

    If he is so all of a sudden altruistic then why is it OK for him to draw a check describing violence inflicted on other people’s sons, and then saying that he wouldn’t want his own sons playing.

    I’ll draw a paycheck describing your sons bashing their heads, but my own sons, I don’t want them playing,….. even though all I have and all I am, and indeed how I am currently putting food on my table, and padding my bank account, is because of this head bashing sport I don’t want my kids playing.

  123. If you so adamantly don’t want your own kids playing and possibly getting busted up on an NFL football field, then you have no right to draw a paycheck for describing and narrating other people’s sons playing football and possibly getting busted up on an NFL football field…..especially if that check is coming from the NFL itself.

    Howard Cosell, years ago, quit announcing boxing because he started to have a problem with the brutality and carnage associated with it.

  124. One more time @bigfuzzy.

    Playing NFL football and illegally dealing crack cocaine are hardly the same thing.

    If you want to equate the inherent risks of crack dealing, where one can be shot to death, imprisoned for life, etc., with playing NFL football, then the game must be even more dangerous than anyone has ever imagined.

  125. KUrt Warner needs to go to the Derek Jeter school of public relations. What does he think he is tellling the truth like that? A hockey player or something?

  126. I’m a fan of both these fellas, so it’s sad to see such disagreement between them. I’d have to agree with Kurt Warner — kids at a young age are too much at risk — even though I let my son play at a very young age. I didn’t know then what we know now. As a life-long athlete, I am all for kids getting out and participating in sports, but better in sports that don’t risk brain injury as much. I hear Amani, and maybe it could have been worded more carefully, but I have to go with Kurt on this one.

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