Sports Lawyer comments on NFL rule changes, concussions, and retired NFL players
The NFL’s recent rule changes regarding fines and potential suspensions for certain hits seem to avoid the real issues related to player safety and health, particularly after retirement. Concussions, which are very serious and can result in long term damage, are certainly a major issue, and something the NFL and the NFLPA have been addressing recently. According to the Mayo clinic, however, concussions occur as a result of the brain shaking violently inside of the skull, and can even occur without any contact to the head, whatsoever. Instead of imposing “knee-jerk reaction” rule changes after a weekend which included some particularly big hits, the NFL needs to help players by contributing towards education and treatment of these serious injuries. Most importantly, if the NFL truly cares about player safety, it will help by ensuring retired players are properly cared for should they experience problems as a result of any injury suffered while playing football, including concussions. This will certainly be an issue to watch as the NFL and NFLPA negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement that will carry this great league into the future.
