Litigation

Changing the way broadcasters glorify violence in football may assist in reducing concussions

By Michael Kaplen

Changing the mentality regarding concussions in sports involves more than educating coaches, players and parents.  It also involves changing the way broadcasters deal with violent hits and their descriptions of head injuries.

The associated press has a wire story on this important topic which reads in part:

Football's violent nature is part of its wide appeal. But as more is learned about the long-term damage of head trauma and the NFL puts increased emphasis on preventing concussions, broadcasters have to walk a fine line between savoring good, tough play and glorifying hits that can cause serious harm.

"The truth is, the announcers set the tone for what's good sportsmanship and what's bad sportsmanship," said Chris Nowinski, a former pro wrestling star and football player at Harvard who is now president of the Sports Legacy Institute, which promotes the study, treatment and prevention of brain trauma in athletes.

"It's not a requirement for their job to understand the concussion problem," Nowinski said. "But the responsibility the announcers have, the reach they have to shape the future of the game, is so big."

Read the full AP story:  Broadcasters adapt as focus on concussions changes

Full post as published by Brain Injury News and Information on October 14, 2010 (boomark / email).