Angry Fans

In the wake of a weekend that saw three players get fined $50,000 or more for illegal hits that knocked Desean Jackson, Josh Cribbs and Todd Heap out of games, the National Football League recently took its biggest leap forward in attempting to protect players from concussions by announcing that players can now be suspended for helmet-to-helmet hits. This move has sparked a number of different debates about both the new rule and the nature of professional football. Will the new rule be effective in making players safer? Will it change the way the game is played for better or for worse?
Brad says: Reggie Bush was quoted on his Twitter saying,  “As an offensive player I disagree with the rule… Worst case scenario you get hit up top: concussion, Worst case scenario you get hit down low, knee surgery or possible end of career.”” Here’s a perfect example of the short-sightedness of NFL players when it comes to this issue. They don’t want to change the way they play the game or how they think on the field because they don’t see concussions as such a big concern. In truth, I don’t disagree with them entirely.
Yes, concussion research is scary, but most players will face serious mental and physical issues later in life from injuries other than concussions or hits to the head. This is a career choice that they make and are not forced into, and thus have to cope with the inherent violence that exists in football. It’s a shame that it has to be this way, but football is a TV sport meant for entertainment and taking away the big hits will take away some of the more entertaining highlights that we get from the sport. Defensive players have been given more and more restrictions on how they play the game in recent years that football is beginning to lose its gritty side and is becoming a sport for the skill positions. I’m not advocating or encouraging violent hits, but the line the league is drawing between legal and illegal hits will only slow down the game and make it harder for defenses. If keeping big, legal hits means risking relocating football to the niche realm of violent sports like boxing then that’s a risk I’m willing to take because its not the same game without them.
Spencer says: I believe that this new rule is a good first step towards protecting players. A number of recent studies show that repeated concussions (even minor ones) lead to a number of serious issues later in life: from shorter life spans to memory loss to Alzheimer’s to depression. This should not be taken lightly and it should not be passed off with just “It’s what the players want!” As a modern society, we owe it to players who play for our entertainment to look out for their long-term health and ensure they are not forced to make stupid, short-sighted decisions. Additionally, helmet-to-helmet hits are not, and should not, be an integral part of the game. Will the new emphasis lead to fewer huge hits? Yes. But it will also lead to players staying healthy longer and being more effective, which leads to a better, more skilled version of football. Football is popular because of the big plays, not just the big hits. If you want to watch carnage, go watch boxing.

–– Spencer Wright ’11.5 is from Burlington, Vt. and Brad Becker-Parton ’11.5 is from Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.