By: Suzanne Sweeney
If it were not for the surreal tragedy and respect for those mourning, NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell would have yet another example as he climbs atop his soapbox and draws more attention to the unnecessary roughness in the NFL. On Thursday, February 17th, Dave Duerson, former safety of the Chicago Bears, took his own life with a single gunshot to the chest. In a cryptic message, Duerson left instructions that he wished for his brain to be donated to science so that it could be examined. Duerson’s brain will be examined for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or CTE.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a degenerative disease that affects the brain and believed to be caused by repeated head trauma resulting in large accumulations of tau proteins, killing cells in regions responsible for mood, emotions, and executive functioning. (1)
In the middle of the 2010-2011 season, the commission handed out heavy fines for violent plays that were outside the rules. In a letter to the players and coaches Goodell wrote: ““Players are expected to play within the rules. Those who do not will face increased discipline, including suspensions, starting with the first offense.”(2) Dave Duerson’s untimely death is just another case in the growing list indicating that Rodger Goodell may be on the right track with cracking down on “unnecessary roughness.”
(2.)www.therecordlive.com
I like this, it provides good info on a disease/disorder and the relation it has to sports. I believe you could of made it a little longer and added some more details but other than that it was very informational.
ReplyDeleteAlison
I liked the blog. Its a very serious thing to watch out for in sports these days and I think that players should have to pay a price for their actions. I agree with Alison, maybe it could have been a bit longer than what it was. However, good information. I enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDeleteEric Cogovan
Suzanne, I agree with Alison on this. I loved what you had here, but I was also interested in seeing a little more. Great topic.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne,
ReplyDeleteThough I don't watch or play sports, you had my attention. Though it was a bit short, I didn't lose interest. Maybe you could give more examples of those who have been seriously injured.
Samantha
Suzanne
ReplyDeleteThat is an interesting blog I miss hearing about that but more studies need to be done on the subject of head trama and it seems it only recently has even been discussed.
Ruth Hall