In
this corner of the couch my thoughts were fourfold: Injuries, Disrespect,
Idiocy and Hope.
.Injuries. There for a while I
thought I was the only one thinking that gridiron warriors were being wounded
at an exceptional rate. As the season
went by however it became crystal clear that violent clashes between hardened
men was taking a more frequent and terrible toll on the lives of players at every level, particularly
professional football. Watching a player ”slow to get up”, or seeming to be
“shaken up” started to sound like commentators were engaged in some sort of
plot to keep real danger away from the public mind. I keep thinking not only of
injury to players in the here-and-now but also the disabilities that will
plague their tomorrows. Constant pounding of bodies, even the helmet smacking
and chest bumping of teammates after stellar plays starts to make you wince.
.Disrespect. Attitude toward
opposing players was never a love-fest - nor should it be - but the level of
trash-talk and even threats to officials has descended to an all-time low. I
also wonder if constantly living violent lives on the field isn't linked
somehow to the rash of domestic violence and spousal abuse that dominates the
conduct of so many after the game is over.
.Idiocy. “Celebrating”
touchdowns by gyrating in the end zone has certainly gotten out of hand. Officials have cut players far too much
slack. We deserve a new look at how long a time period such nonsense should be
permitted, or if they should be permitted at all. And far worse is the invitation
such idiotic behavior extends to those of racial bias when displays of
chest-thumping and other mannerisms of the jungle are considered part of the
game.
.Hope. By now just about
everyone knows of the seriousness of concussions. Some recognition and some steps – one
forward, two backward – have been made by officialdom. But positive action must
be accelerated all across the board. For starters by having truly competent
medical personnel treat downed players from the very moment the injury whistle
is blown. Parents are already having their youngsters opt out of football for
less dangerous sports. Let's hope that next season and the years that follow
will see a lot of improvement in these four areas.
