The NCAA is being faced with more than 300 lawsuits from former players to claimed to have been mistreated for their concussions when they were playing. The former players filing lawsuits claim that the mistreatment led to a list of medical problems including headaches, depression, and sometimes early Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. The NCAA saw a large wave of lawsuits in 2016, and more than 200 cases have been filed recently. Gabe Feldman says, "These are very difficult cases. They're difficult because in many of the cases the plaintiff is clearly suffering and the plaintiff has clearly suffered harm." He says the biggest challenge is determining whether or not the NCAA is at fault. The NCAA agreed to pay $70 million toward medical monitoring for former athletes, and payments of up to $5,000 to players who claimed injuries. Concussions have always been an injury that seems to be part of football, and players know that they are at risk of getting concussions, particularly when playing at a high level.
Do you think that it is possible that players could have been mistreated by team doctors during concussion protocol?
I think that it is a possibility that some of these player could have been told that they were good to go back out on the field when in reality they have been kept on the sidelines. I also think that in some of the cases, the players probably didn't tell anyone that they may have suffered a concussion after taking a hit, and the injury went unnoticed.
Would you consider not letting your child play football knowing the risks of playing?
I don't think that I would consider not letting my kid play football because I've been playing since 7th grade and haven't had a concussion from football, even though I did get one outside of football. Another thing that would make me comfortable with letting my kid play football is that companies are doing a lot to make helmets and other equipment safer.
Replies
Well done! You could have commented a few more times.
I think the NCAA would only be liable if the players were unfit to play and the doctors cleared them to play, since the players already know the risks involved while playing, including things such as torn ACLs and broken hands. I would let my kid decide if he wanted to play football but would make sure he also knew the risks.
I do think that some players have been mistreated by the team docters. I bet some docters do this because they know how good the player is and don't want the team to suffer. I don't think I would consider this on having my kid play football. Like you said, especially if they are trying to make the game safer.
I also think that it's very possible that they are mistreated by the doctor. A lot goes on and you never know, a doctor definetly shouldn't be doing this as their job is safet fr the football players. But, the doctors know most and people wouldn't know if it was a lie. I would let my kid play but make sure they play well.
1) I think so. I think that I have heard something like this before. I think that they may have been ready and maybe the trainer just made them stay on the sidelines. I don't think this is right.
2) Maybe. No, I think that this is something that they want to play. I would be able to tell them what the risk is. If they don't ike the risk, then they don't have to play. I think that I would just let my kid play what they want.
I also have heard something like this before because it is becoming more common that players are see effects from getting concussions while playing football. I agree that kids should know the risk before they decide whether or not to play football.
I think it is a possibility but I also think players may have just not said anything so they were able to keep playing, not thinking about the long term effects. I wuld leave the decision up to my kid but make sure they know how to play the right way and wear proper equipment.
I agree that maybe some of the players didn't tell anybody that they thought they may have gotten a concussion because they weren't aware of the long term effects that may happen if they don't treat it correctly.
I agree with you that it could of been a possibility that some players were told that they could go back out on the field, when it would of been a better idea to be kept on the sidelines. I also agree with you that companies are always improving helments and gear for all kinds of sports, so concussions will not be as common in the future.
I agree that it is possible the in the future concussions could be not as common because of the advancements in technology in helmets and gear. I also agree that in most cases it is probably best for the player to be kept on the sideline if they have any sign of a concussion.