When Tim Tebow was knocked out during the UF-Kentucky football game September 26 concussions became big news. National Football League officials recently intensified study of the (possible) link between concussions and permanent brain damage. What has emerged is more public awareness of the long term effect of sports injuries. Less obvious is the obfuscation of the problem by vested interest such as the NFL owners. Sunday afternoon November 22 attentive football fans could see two NFL quarterbacks sitting on the bench with a dazed looks on their faces. That look was on Tim Tebow`s face after his concussion in Kentucky. Sportscasters jocularly refer to that look as the aftermath of "having his bell rung." The question is then asked,"Will he go back in the game?" Someone that has had a concussion may remember "seeing stars." They may remember being a little confused for a day or so. But getting back in the game is admired. When Joe Montana come back on the field for the San Francisco 49`ers just six week after having his back broken fans were amazed. However, brain injuries are more serious. There is a fascination with sports that carry the risk of death or graphic injuries. Car racing, bull riding, extreme skiing and recently promoted arena fighting are clear examples. Deaths in these sports are limited due to the few people that engage in them. Football coaches speak of building character. Old players, even the lineman, seldom express regrets. (Maybe that is a sign of brain damage.) Unlike bull fighting, football will never be banned in the U.S. However, head injuries can be mitigated by better rules. Players whose bell has been rung should be examined by a doctor and coaches should be held accountable. Referees should rigorously penalize players that use their helmet as a weapon. The NFL might even encourage independent evaluation of dementia in retired players. On the home front, parents and coaches of high school players must put the health of the players at the top of the priority list. | 