Discussion Post
Is Football Worth Dementia? We now know that concussions cause permanent brain damage, however slight the knock-out may appear. Concussions can be seen on brain image studies. Concussions cause cumulative damage over the life of an athlete. We know, for instance, that the great boxer, Mohammed Ali, suffered from Parkinson's disease, brought on by repeated blows to his head. The blows damaged the dopamine-producing cells in his brain. It has long been thought that perhaps there was a connection between high rates of brain disease in NFL football players. A preliminary study, sanctioned by the NFL itself, suggests that this may be the case. Published in September 2009, the study is only a survey of a sampling of retired NFL players, but the evidence has provoked a call for greater research, not to mention more protection for players. To further the research, some current NFL players who have suffered concussions have pledged their brains to neuroscience researchers after their deaths.
• What do you think? Should sports be made safer? If you got a professional soccer or football offer, would you think twice about your later brain-health or think it could not happen to you?
• Should players be held accountable for themselves, because they sign up for risky sports?
• Should the professional sports organizations protect them from themselves by changing play and equipment rules?
• Should those players who develop dementia later in life by taken care of by their professional leagues?
The response should include a reference list. One-inch margins, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space and APA style of writing and citations.