Will Smith’s ‘Concussion’ and Its Implications on Sports Safety
New Will Smith Movie Sheds Light on NFL Scandal and TBI’s
I heard there was a new Will Smith flick coming out dealing with the NFL and brain injuries, and I Googled it, and low and behold, I found just what I was looking for, an article by Ehline Law Firm out in California that was totally on point here. I personally am hoping that the movie will shed some light on the difference between allegations of the NFL actively concealing the level of risk in sports specific to helmets and head protection, as opposed to the recreational immunity defenses available for engaging in sports with “known risks inherent” to the sporting activity.
Will Smith Can Help Shed Light on Important Unknown
Will Smith is one of Hollywood’s leading figures. He has brought attention to important social issues, such as homelessness and family trauma, during his time in the spotlight. The star is now taking a focus on an increasing, but often little-understood, problem. Severe head injuries caused by contact sports has entered into the public’s collective mind over the last decade.
- Repeated Head Injuries and Suicide Connection
The spate of injuries and their wider reaching effects has reached the pages of USA Today. The effects of repeated head injuries can develop into Traumatic Brain Injuries, as seen in the NFL. These injuries can cause severe cognitive issues and in some cases lead to an early death. There have been efforts to identify and reduce the rate of concussions on the field, but for many advocates, the issue is too little, too late.
The reactionary nature of the National Football League’s actions gives many a reason to pause. After a series of high-profile injuries and deaths, the link between repeated head injuries and other issues has grown into sharper focus. Long term denials of the correlation between these traumas and an early death have started to fade away. However, for thousands of professional, high school, and college football players, the changes are coming too late.
Case Keenum’s head injury is one of the many cases increasing the profile of these incidents. The Rams quarterback was kept in a game against the Ravens after a concussion, which may have led to further injury. The NFL is not penalizing the Rams for the incident, but it shows the small margin of error in these cases. The Washington Post reported on the controversy, adding that the league is considering further changes to the management of players at risk of a severe head injury.
The evidence appears clear that the NFL, NCAA, and other sports organizations have a long way to go. Changes to rules and equipment may not be enough. What many advocates are finding out is that one of the leading indirect causes of these injuries and their effects is that of tradition. Many do not want to change the way that these sports are being played, even if it leads to horrible injuries for young people across the country.
Will Smith’s new movie is going to play a role in helping draw focus to the issue and perhaps shame these organizations into taking concrete action to stop the long term effects of such injuries.
