Tag Archives: concussions

Commissioner Roger Goodell’s speech at Harvard University made several things clear to the media and  public. The number of concussions is not necessarily linked to the fact that some players are playing short weeks with the addition of Thursday night games. No research data exists to support that theory yet. A number of other factors need to be taken into account.

First, Commissioner Goodell stated that the need for better physical equipment is at the top of his priority list. Given that most of this week's concussions were suffered by quarterbacks, perhaps the equipment (specifically, the helmet) is less effective for that position. As a result, he is proposing an equipment change for different position players to wear different helmets. This would prevent the players who are the most vulnerable from sustaining the most damaging hits.

Next, the commissioner wants to move forward research in new protective technology for players in all positions. Players and fans alike want each player to have a long and productive career, and the current state of the game puts this goal in jeopardy.

The commissioner even believes that the way the game is played is perhaps hindering the game. Although we are used to seeing harder hits and a faster pace, Goodell is not convinced this is the best thing for the game. According to him, the “all out mentality” of NFL players is partially responsible for the rough hits being made in football today. It is clear that something has to change, whether it is the way the game is played, or, more likely, players' equipment.

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender^TM products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.

Following the numerous injuries this past week in pro football, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell decided that it was important to address the growing concerns of concussions in football publicly. The total impact of concussions is still not fully understood, but a variety of negative correlations between concussions and the appearance of mental health problems later in life have been identified.

Commissioner Goodell is speaking at Harvard University today at 3:00 p.m. EST to address the growing number of injuries and the need for change in the game. This speech is definitely long overdue, as the speed of the game and the velocity of football tackles have been increasing steadily for a number of years now. The speech carries great importance and will undoubtedly result in increased scrutiny on all levels.

Some of the issues at hand are the length of time required for players to come back from concussions and the concussion testing criteria for medical staff on the sidelines. Also, the decisions made for the player, medically speaking, are of paramount importance right after a potential concussion. Additionally, expect a large fine increase for players who are deemed to have maliciously caused concussions. This will hopefully make players refrain from initiating vicious hits on other players.

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender^TM products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.

This weekend brought earth-shattering stories to the forefront of the sports world. With the NFL-season in full swing, many fans don’t realize how short the NCAA football season actually is. As a result, official BCS standings are becoming more and more relevant by the day.

Alabama Crimson Tide had been the fan favorite to walk away with the BCS title, especially after the convincing defeat of Les Miles’s LSU Tigers, another SEC juggernaut. However, after a jaw dropping defeat Alabama has fallen three spots in the BCS standings to number four. Now the Crimson Tide is on the outside looking in and will almost certainly not get a chance to play in the BCS title game.

If the season were over today, then the high-profile Oregon Ducks would play the Kansas State Wildcats, the biggest surprise of college football this year. Both teams match up exceptionally well, and the only sure thing is that this would be an explosive game.

In other news, NFL players suffered from an inordinate number of concussions and related injuries this weekend. Many critics are pointing to the up-tempo speed of the game and the comparatively unsophisticated professional equipment that the NFL provides as the causes.

Most of the injured players are high profile starters on their team, including three star quarterbacks. Jay Cutler of the Chicago Bears took a vicious hit during Sunday night’s showdown versus the Texans. Next, the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback, Michael Vick, was knocked out of the game with a concussion, a hit that allowed the Dallas Cowboys to capitalize on the weakened Eagles. Finally, the San Francisco 49ers’ Alex Smith was taken off the field with concussion-like symptoms during a game against the St. Louis Rams.

Many fans pointed to the fact that none of these teams could muster a win. However, we feel the unifying theme is that these players are lucky to be okay! We wish you speedy recoveries!

In basketball-related news, the Los Angeles Lakers have fired controversial coach Mike Brown following the Los Angeles Lakers’ reportedly disappointing start combined with Lakers fans’ high expectations for the season. Top-ranked center Dwight Howard left the Orlando Magic for his chance to become a part of a championship-caliber team. Also, veteran guard Steve Nash joined the Lakers this offseason in hopes to secure his own place in history this season. New Coach Mike D’Antoni is expected to turn the season around before it heads any further in the wrong direction.

Lastly, one of the most enduring records in the soccer world, set by Pelé in 1958 for most goals scored in a calendar year, was shattered by international soccer sensation Lionel Messi. Once again, he was named man of the match during the momentous event. Arguably the best player on the world stage, Messi has gone on record claiming none of the goals he scores are as meaningful as the ones he dreams of scoring at the highest level of the game: the World Cup. He has been unable to secure a World Cup title for his native land, Argentina. Perhaps in the upcoming world trials he will be ready for another chance to make this title a reality.

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender^TM products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.