Don't let your boys grow up to play football?

[Daniel]

The stereotype is that gay man aren't interested in football. But we know that's not true at all. Gay men can be, and are, as sports-minded as straight men.

The article below is shocking in its implications, showing that trauma to the head, even with a helmet, can have dire consequences.

Football was a big deal at my Alma Mater Evangel. Still is as far as I know. Like boxing, playing the game comes with real risks.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/sp...n.html?_r=1&hp

Brain Damage Found in Sixth Former N.F.L. Player

By ALAN SCHWARZ
Published: January 27, 2009

TAMPA, Fla. — Brain damage commonly associated with boxers has been found in a sixth deceased former N.F.L. player age 50 or younger, further stoking the debate between many doctors and the league over the significance of such findings.

[Jennifer5]

Originally Posted by Daniel

The stereotype is that gay man aren't interested in football. But we know that's not true at all. Gay men can be, and are, as sports-minded as straight men.

The article below is shocking in its implications, showing that trauma to the head, even with a helmet, can have dire consequences.

Football was a big deal at my Alma Mater Evangel. Still is as far as I know. Like boxing, playing the game comes with real risks.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/sp...n.html?_r=1&hp

Football may be good to watch, but playing scares me. My brother was always an athlete growing up and the schools always wanted him for football, but because of the dangers mentioned, my mom's response was a very clear "no".

I think football is a death trap.

[Gennee]

I played football and it's my favorite sport. It's a physically demanding sport where injuries happen all the time. Head injuries should always be treated with care. A player who has a concussion should not play. Some do however risking further injury. A young man up here died as a result of complications. He played because he felt obligated to the team. His brain functions were so affected that it shut down his bodily functions.

There is the macho culture in football and someone who won't play because of injury may be looked upon as soft. I wouldn't discourage anyone from playing football or any ther sport. I would make sure that the team and school is prepared for emergencies in case someone is seriously injured.


Gennee

[tymejumper]

I used to play football with my brother and his friends. In fact, I got mad that in high school they would not let me play with the guys and the girls team was only tap. That is not football to me! I boycotted gym after that.

I digress, I will not encourage my son or daughters to play football. Neurologically, its a car wreck. When young people, mostly boys, are at their peak of Mylenation(their brain neurons are finishing their connections, basically) is at high school time. Right when they recruit them to play football. It's at this time they are most likely to suffer brain damage and neurological problems from high impact sports. Girls actually mylenate earlier and so they are at a lower risk of brain damage.(from impact)Aside from the potential of seriously altering your brain structure from this sport, as a rehab therapist, I have to discourage anything that causes that type of wear and tear on the body joints, poor body mechanics and especially damage to the knees.

Yes, I know I am a party pooper!