The documentary that we watched this week uncovered the long-term damage playing football has on a player's brain. It seems fairly obvious that multiple concussions would lead to some sort of negative outcome or complication but until fairly recently there wasn't any tangible scientific proof of the damage caused. I was really shocked to see the degree to which the players were affected. The harm was so extensive that their personalities changed, they became different people. I can't imagine how horrifying that was for the players and their families. This is such a relevant issue to our course work and it was interesting to see how its being played out in such a popular and public arena. The conflict that arises (making it an ethical issue) is between the health of NFL players and the multi-billion dollar empire the NFL currently consists of.
I think an important "test" as to whether or not this is an actual issue to be taken seriously would be to take the situation with the same scientific evidence and circumstances and consider it within a different context; or more specifically, in any context where the implications of the doctors' scientific findings are not threatening to ruin such a lucrative market. If for instance, these dangers were attributed to riding bicycles, I'm pretty sure people would just stop riding bikes because you would think "Why risk it?" The research has turned up some pretty irrefutable evidence so, no I'm not going to risk the quality of my life. But its a much harder story to sell when people are making hundreds of millions a year on the activity.
I'm a huge football fan and as such I found the documentary very disturbing for the obvious reasons but also when I tried to consider what the NFL could possibly do or what new rules and regulations they could possibly implement to prevent CTE from occurring in its players I felt a little disappointed at the prospect of the game being played differently. And by differently I mean in a less aggressive and violent manner. But ultimately, its the long-term health of the NFL players that really matters because thats what is being put at risk. It was very interesting to consider the need for change in a such a popular sport.
I agree with your "test" idea. I believe that the NFL somehow must change the rules to make the game safer for the players involved or explicitly tell all of the dangers that can/will happen when you play football. I have heard it mentioned often that the players understand all of the risks involved in the game but I do not see how they can. If the federal court agrees that the NFL must pay $765 million dollars to explayers then how can one say that they knew the risks?
ReplyDeleteI agree with your "test" idea too. Of course, if such a scary disease was attributed to riding bicycles, people would steer clear of the activity. It is really hard being a football fan and imaging the game being played less aggressively, but it is also now, even more sad, to see a player being carted off the field with a brain injury...I envision their future that isn't so bright anymore. If they are willing to risk their bodies, and more importantly their minds, for the sake of America's beloved sport, what can we do? Assuming that the NFL would soon properly disclose the details of CTE and it's life-threatening effects.
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