Very sad story about QB Jim McMahon's current status. He's one of an increasingly number of ex-NFL players seeking redress for having been lied to and drugged up by their teams. They are the modern version of the gladiators who killed one another for the entertainment of the rich and privileged.

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/ex-bears-qb-jim-mcmahon-opens-dementia-215105931--spt.html

tenplay;842325710 said:

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Very sad story about QB Jim McMahon's current status. He's one of an increasingly number of ex-NFL players seeking redress for having been lied to and drugged up by their teams. They are the modern version of the gladiators who killed one another for the entertainment of the rich and privileged.

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/ex-bears-qb-jim-mcmahon-opens-dementia-215105931--spt.html

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The rich and privileged aren't the only ones who need to have their blood lust satisfied. Heck, just look at our board.

If we REALLY cared about the long term health of football players we would just cancel the sport. But the need and desire to maintain this societal opiate far far far far outweighs the concern for FB players' health. FB will never, ever be canceled. We would first repeal the gun amendment and replace it with the right to watch and play FB before that happened.

Boxing, MMA, any hard contact stuff. I don't blame the fans as much as the promoters and such that are making the beaucoup bucks. Also Budweiser, Miller, and all the other advertisers

Quote:

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"The NFL continues to make billions and billions of dollars every year," McMahon said. "And some of these guys are homeless. They don't know who they are, and they were the ones who built this brand to where it's at."

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A courageous judge needs to fine the NFL and Owners in significant 10 figures, money to fund a for-life medical plan as well as recommend CRIMINAL prosecutions for dispensers of drugs (especially controlled drugs) illegally. Those who were aware of the drug use should also be charged for condoning it and not reporting it.

A Huge Penalty and Hard Time will be a big start to bringing the NFL and Owners down.

Players, current and prospective, should also be warned that attempting to play with prior injuries could limit any damages they might seek if further injury takes place.

Bigelow, for example, risks becoming a cripple if his knees take further hits, and should sign a waiver to that effect. If he tossed away his degree hoping for a chance to make money, so be it. His decision, his choice.
Best retired, understanding the damage already done and the risks of playing. Good for him that he'll no doubt have a successful life, especially with his degree.

burritos;842325718 said:

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The rich and privileged aren't the only ones who need to have their blood lust satisfied. Heck, just look at our board.

If we REALLY cared about the long term health of football players we would just cancel the sport. But the need and desire to maintain this societal opiate far far far far outweighs the concern for FB players' health. FB will never, ever be canceled. We would first repeal the gun amendment and replace it with the right to watch and play FB before that happened.

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Liability is going to catch up eventually with the NFL. It might start hitting the high school system first. Football is where smoking was in the 1970s, the truth about the long-term damage from concussions is only starting to come out. I'm not as optimistic about the long term survival of football as you are. Maybe in a couple of decades it could get replaced by rugby in college and high school, which while still being a physical sport has a lot fewer concussions.

Cal88;842325782 said:

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Liability is going to catch up eventually with the NFL. It might start hitting the high school system first. Football is where smoking was in the 1970s, the truth about the long-term damage from concussions is only starting to come out. I'm not as optimistic about the long term survival of football as you are. Maybe in a couple of decades it could get replaced by rugby in college and high school, which while still being a physical sport has a lot fewer concussions.

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I know this is OT, but why can liability be brought upon gun makers?

burritos;842325718 said:

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The rich and privileged aren't the only ones who need to have their blood lust satisfied. Heck, just look at our board.

If we REALLY cared about the long term health of football players we would just cancel the sport. But the need and desire to maintain this societal opiate far far far far outweighs the concern for FB players' health. FB will never, ever be canceled. We would first repeal the gun amendment and replace it with the right to watch and play FB before that happened.

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I have always thought that (i) instead of coming up with more and more Robocop-esque armor for the FB players, the NFL should go back to the Rugby style of equipment (or lack thereof). To me it appears that with absolutely 0 protective equipment except cleats and a head band (jerseys and shorts are optional), players would be much more careful in their style of play. For example no headfirst spearing of players who are down.
(ii) making major changes to the punt and kick-off rules (maybe even eliminating return) might eliminate full-speed crashes.

68great;842325873 said:

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I have always thought that (i) instead of coming up with more and more Robocop-esque armor for the FB players, the NFL should go back to the Rugby style of equipment (or lack thereof). To me it appears that with absolutely 0 protective equipment except cleats and a head band (jerseys and shorts are optional), players would be much more careful in their style of play. For example no headfirst spearing of players who are down.
(ii) making major changes to the punt and kick-off rules (maybe even eliminating return) might eliminate full-speed crashes.

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Absolutely. I read an article about 35 years ago (I believe it was in Sports Illustrated) that said there were more head and neck injuries after the transition from leather helmets.