Concussions and the NFL

Jahved Best was a promising 1st round draft pick of the Detroit Lions in 2010.

He had great potential as a running back. His career ended early this past season. One too many concussions was the simple answer.

He's now suing the NFL and the helmet maker whose helmet he wore for damages and lifetime lingering medical expenses.

You see, his primary argument is that the NFL never should have drafted him since he had multiple concussions while playing at USC.

Though I feel sorry for Best, these types of lawsuits cannot continue. The NFL has only started looking at the long-term problems associated with multiple and/or severe concussions. They have started those studies to try to cut down on the damage done. Perhaps they have the hope of reducing concussions completely.

But you can't blame the NFL for not knowing everything yet. That isn't fair to them. I guarantee you that if Best hadn't been drafted by any NFL club back in 2010, he would have sued them for NOT drafting someone with his potential, based on clauses in the Americans With Disabilities Act, which prevents discrimination against people with medical problems or disabilities.

ALL NFL players now KNOW there are great risks involved with playing the game. Potentially severe long-term risk. They are taken out of games now against their wishes just to protect them from themselves.

But success in the NFL means great riches. No one forces them to play. It's dangerous and they know it.  Older players, long since retired, have admitted as such. But there is money to be made from lawsuits.

And everybody wants their piece of the pie.

Americans have always been good at blaming others for the consequences of their choices. People over eat, take up smoking, and play professional football because they want to. Blaming McDonalds, tobacco companies, and the NFL for long-term medical problems is wrong.

There are enough facts out there today to make everyone responsible for their own decisions and choices. It wasn't always that way. But it is today.

You live with the consequences of your choices. If someone pays you or not.

That's life.