Concussions no doubt, are a scary thing. I myself have had a concussion, and I know that I don't want another. The difference between myself and a pro athlete though is that I don't have to worry about the millions of dollars I wont make if I don't play. And therein lies the problem:
Athletes play the game to make money (and lots of it), to make a living. Of course they know the dangers of concussions going into it, but they know that's a part of the risk. Hell, if I could make millions of dollars and maybe have the chance of a concussion or two...I'd take it. These players know what they are up against when they sign contracts.
I've related it to smoking. Back in the day when people started, there wasn't that much info on the dangers of smoking and what it can (and will) do to your body. As we as society got smarter, research showed that smoking is actually pretty bad for you, could even kill you. Yet, knowing this information, how many people do you know that smoke everyday? Friends, family members, you name it. All these people now know the risk of smoking yet they decide to do it any way knowing there's a damn good chance they'll wind up dead.
Sound familiar?
Obviously concussions are a bad thing. But so are sprained ankles, broken legs, and dislocated shoulders. I dont think that going in and overhauling a sport is the answer. Sure, take away helmet to helmet hits, that makes sense. but dont soften the games becuase guys are making a choice to play a game they know will hurt them. It may be an insensitive approach to the subject but honestly, If you cant stop someone from smoking even though they know it will kill them, how are you supposed to tell a kid they should stop playing hockey (football, baseball, basketball, etc) and to give up their chance at millions and fame... I know that by working in front of a computer all day I'm increasing my risk of carpal tunnel, which hurts like an SOB...but you gotta do what ya gotta do right?
Just my 2 cents.
-Chase
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