The article discusses the risks of long-term health implications associated with contact sports, particularly American football and boxing. The author shares personal stories of athletes who have suffered from brain damage and other health problems due to repeated blows to the head.
In American football, studies suggest that just three concussions can have a lasting impact on an athlete's health. The NFL has reported a 17% decrease in concussions in the 2024 season, but more needs to be done to address this issue.
In boxing, Heather Hardy was forced to retire last year due to severe symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition linked to repeated blows to the head. CTE can only be diagnosed post-mortem, and its effects are irreversible.
The author argues that the wealth generated by these sports should not come at the cost of an athlete's long-term health and well-being. "Is it worth a lifetime of dementia and depression and suicidal thoughts?" The author asks.
Amy Lavelle, whose partner Davey Browne Jr. suffered from brain damage due to boxing, shares her personal experience with the risks associated with these sports. She believes that there needs to be more education for athletes about the risks involved and that steps should be taken to protect their health.
The article concludes by highlighting the importance of prioritizing athlete safety in contact sports. More needs to be done to address the long-term health implications of these sports, including improved training methods, better concussion protocols, and increased awareness about the risks involved.
Sources:
* "NFL reports 17% decrease in concussions in 2024 season" (BBC Sport)
* "Boxer Heather Hardy forced to retire due to CTE symptoms" (BBC Sport)
* "The dangers of American football: What's being done to tackle concussion crisis?" (ESPN)
Note: The article is a summary of the original content, and some information may have been omitted or rephrased for clarity and concision.
In American football, studies suggest that just three concussions can have a lasting impact on an athlete's health. The NFL has reported a 17% decrease in concussions in the 2024 season, but more needs to be done to address this issue.
In boxing, Heather Hardy was forced to retire last year due to severe symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition linked to repeated blows to the head. CTE can only be diagnosed post-mortem, and its effects are irreversible.
The author argues that the wealth generated by these sports should not come at the cost of an athlete's long-term health and well-being. "Is it worth a lifetime of dementia and depression and suicidal thoughts?" The author asks.
Amy Lavelle, whose partner Davey Browne Jr. suffered from brain damage due to boxing, shares her personal experience with the risks associated with these sports. She believes that there needs to be more education for athletes about the risks involved and that steps should be taken to protect their health.
The article concludes by highlighting the importance of prioritizing athlete safety in contact sports. More needs to be done to address the long-term health implications of these sports, including improved training methods, better concussion protocols, and increased awareness about the risks involved.
Sources:
* "NFL reports 17% decrease in concussions in 2024 season" (BBC Sport)
* "Boxer Heather Hardy forced to retire due to CTE symptoms" (BBC Sport)
* "The dangers of American football: What's being done to tackle concussion crisis?" (ESPN)
Note: The article is a summary of the original content, and some information may have been omitted or rephrased for clarity and concision.
the nfl needs to get its act together already 
17% decrease in concussions is still way too high 
those athletes are literally risking their brains with every hit... it's just not worth it, period 
all that money they're making shouldn't come at the cost of a lifetime of suffering 
And, honestly, who's gonna benefit from all this violence? The players themselves or some faceless corporation that's just makin' bank off their pain 
... like, what's the point of winning if you're just gonna end up with dementia and depression? It's not worth it, fam 
.
. The NFL is trying to cut down on concussions by 17%, but I'm like, what's next? 
Are they gonna start giving out helmets with built-in alarm systems for when you're about to get pummeled in the noggin? 
. I mean, Heather Hardy had to retire because of CTE, and that's just wild 
. It's like, we should be taking care of these athletes' brains before they even start getting punched in the face 
. More education, better training methods, you know? It's time to put the player first for once 
.
. I mean, American football and boxing are still rad sports 
. We just gotta be more aware of the risks involved, you know? Maybe we can even get some more helmets with built-in beer coolers 
... just kidding!
. Is a lifetime of dementia & depression worth it? I don't think so! The author is right - we need to prioritize athlete safety in contact sports. It's time for some serious change! 
i feel bad for athletes who go through this. 3 concussions and its game over lol the nba and nfl need to step up their safety protocols ASAP 
the players are risking their lives for a sport
and it's not even like u can prevent it or anything - it's like, 1st hit to the head = brain damage 
and yeah, we do! more awareness, better training methods, that kinda thing... it's not just about the money 
. And with Heather Hardy's story, it's like, what even is the point if we can't protect these people's health? It's all about the benjamins, right? 
. I mean, have you seen those CTE documentaries? It's like, no way we should be puttin' our brains through that 
my cousin's friend played football in college & now he cant even watch sports games cuz of his brain damage 
amy lavelle is totes right we need 2 educate athletes & prioritize their safety 1st 
and we're just sitin here watchin, thinkin its not our problem 
amy lavelle's story is so heartbreaking tho 