Head Games

While I said I wouldn't talk of this again, recent high-profile events in the NFL make it worth mentioning. But, this will be the last I say (for now) on the issue.

The subject of concussions in sports, particularly football is gaining notoriety especially with last week’s injuries of two Philadelphia Eagles starters, one of which, former Husker Stewart Bradley, fell in a stupor after his hit. Last Sunday Dallas star Jason Witten suffered a concussion in what seemed like a simple fall. His blowup with the Dallas doctor refusing to let him return (the right call) was the subject of much of sports talk. ESPN’s Gregg Easterbrook has a good piece on the need to address head injuries in his weekly column.

You probably know where I’m going with this one...if not, rewind back to June 11. TWO drivers suffered injuries that night, one of which suffered an admitted head injury. I’m leaving out names because it applies to ANYONE and I don’t want to single anyone out just because of who they are. Nary a word was said about his return despite suffering injuries worse than the ones suffered by the players mentioned above. And indeed, the feat was celebrated on track and later on TV. By the way, I’m not claiming innocence; I’ve already chastised (rationalized?) myself in all this.

In the ballplayer’s cases, the two Eagles were not allowed to return to PRACTICE for five days, and neither was cleared to play in the following week’s game - much less driving 100 MPH.

This isn’t about “manning up,” balls, or whatever testosterone-fueled adjective you want to apply. It isn't about racing being a dangerous sport. We know that. Is it not dangerous enough for you? It’s about the fact that head injuries may have severe long term effects that aren’t visible to the naked eye. It’s not like a burn or a broken bone.

Knowing what we know about the brain, it’s high time that tracks, sanctioning bodies, insurance companies and, most of all, participants and fans get wise to the macho charade and demand proper steps are followed before letting the wounded back into the battle.

Concussion tests that can be administered by anyone - at least High School coaches - are available. It’s the least anyone at a track could do at the time of any hit or flip on the track. Appoint one of the safety crew to do the test. And, after any injury where a concussion is documented, require signed releases from a NEUROLOGIST before return.

Times have changed. Statesmen used to settle differences with pistols at dawn, and doctors told you smoking was good for you.

We’ve evolved past that. The more science shows the long term effects of repeated head injuries, letting drivers return to the track prematurely isn’t going to make them look heroic.

It will make us look barbaric.

- Jason