Tag Archives: NCAA

Perhaps it was just a matter of time—with over $750 million committed by the NFL to settle a lawsuit from over 400 players.  Now, three former college football players are suing the NCAA, saying it failed to educate them about the risks of concussions and didn't do enough to prevent, diagnose, and treat brain injuries.

The players who filed the class-action suit in federal court in Chattanooga are Chris Walker and Ben Martin, who recently played for Tennessee, and Dan Ahern, who played for North Carolina State in the 70’s.

The complaint alleges that the NCAA failed to meet its obligation to former players and that because of its neglect the players are suffering the consequences. While details are still in short supply, the suit asks for a medical monitoring program for former football players, to be funded by the NCAA.

A question yet to be answered is why the NCAA was targeted in the suit, but not the players’ respective universities, which may have had more direct knowledge of the players’ health and injuries.

Beyond that, if these players successfully execute suits involving the NCAA, their universities, their athletic departments, their trainers, and/or their coaches, then what is next?  Former high school players, middle school players, even youth players in the city leagues?  And who will be the target —schools, trainers, coaches, even city governments and school boards?

The NFL settlement was certainly the first major step in addressing some of the issues faced by the various participants in this complex subject. Where the next foot will fall will likely become apparent in the near future.

*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.

The BCS Championship game was definitely a letdown for many people, particularly those in Indiana. However, there are plenty of good things to take away from the college football finale. The Notre Dame program has taken leaps forward in one season, in a way that doesn’t usually happen without multiple seasons and great coaching. Next, the team will benefit by being in a great position to recruit new players.

The Alabama Crimson Tide will be the first team to repeat national championships in quite a long time. Also, they have won three of the past four championships total, an astronomical number that’s nearly impossible to achieve. Most of the critics feel that this feat will never be repeated again. It is definitely a monumental accomplishment which has also helped Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron’s chances to get drafted in the first round.

The game highlights were extremely one-sided even from the beginning. When the game started Alabama was clearly in control. Alabama possessed the ball for 10 minutes more than Notre Dame in the first half alone. The score also reflected that domination, as the Crimson Tide scored four touchdowns (28 points) in the first half. Notre Dame’s national linebacking sensation, Manti Te’o, did not play like his usual self. Instead, he looked quite slow and was unable to stop either of Alabama’s running backs at the point of attack.

The game was a rather high-scoring affair as Alabama eventually tallied 42 points, a miraculous feat in and of itself given Notre Dame’s undefeated season. We will see how this will play into next season’s rankings, attract a better class of recruits and increase bowl game exposure for both high-powered football programs.

Unfortunately, games of this caliber and importance do not come along very often. The players play harder because the stakes are higher. Injuries riddled both teams as a result. Take Barrett Jones, for example. The Alabama center played the entire game with a torn ligament in his foot, while knowing the risk. Next, Alabama Linebacker, C.J. Mosley suffered from a serious knee injury that Coach Nick Saban stated was “not serious”.

On the opposite side of the field, Notre Dame also had a significant loss. Kapron Lewis-Moore actually suffered a severe knee injury. He will have to endure surgery due to a catastrophic ACL injury. Also, severe leg cramps plagued Notre Dame quarterback, Everett Golson near half-time. These injuries all call for the need for better safety measures during high-stakes games. Several of the injured players were slated to begin meaningful workouts for their NFL draft portfolios. The injuries could completely wipe out their chances for a spot.

*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.

A plethora of eye-opening and astonishing stories in the sports world have arisen, as of late. Evidence has been brought to light that the NFL knew about the debilitating effects of repeated blows to the head when Commissioner Roger Goodell testified to Congress in 2009. Goodell said then that the NFL reported no ill-effects of head injury but were in fact quietly paying 3 former players disability benefits. Reports from independent doctors verify that the individual players were disabled from impacts sustained while active. Moving forward the NFL will undoubtedly have to take ownership in the issue of its players’ safety.

In a related story, the San Fransisco 49ers and Chicago Bears played one another last night, each without their starting quarterbacks. (The 49ers won 32-7 partially due to their sub quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s excellent performance.) This game marked a rare yet somber occasion, one of the few times in history that two teams have squared off against each other using backup quarterbacks due to concussion disabilities. This points to a new, dangerous era in football, and sports in general.

In U.S. soccer news, the L.A. Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo will square off in a rematch of last year’s MLS cup on Dec. 1. The Houston Dynamo has been soccer’s Cinderella story this year, barely staving off defeat to sneak into the playoff bracket. Popular opinion is that the Galaxy will walk away with the hardware this year, but that is up for debate. It will definitely be a match to remember.

The NCAA recently made a substantial change to the structure of the Big Ten Conference, which has been slowly inviting and accepting more competitive teams than in the past. Welcome Maryland, the newest member of the Big Ten. As viewership has dwindled as of late, there have been many attempts to shake up the league. This will bring about quick change and bring in Maryland football fans.

*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.