Much to my surprise it is reported the NFL could possibly start suspending players for helmet-to-helmet hits. If these reports are true, then I applaud the NFL's decision. I have covered serious injuries in a previous discussion (see: Vain and Suffering), but helmet-to-helmet hits can be controlled – to a certain extent – by the players themselves. Not only are helmet-to-helmet hits technically inappropriate (most football players are not taught to lead with their helmets), they are also extremely dangerous to the player receiving the hit and the player applying the hit, alike. We saw an example this Sunday during the Philadelphia vs. Atlanta game, when Falcons' Cornerback, Dunta Robinson's hit on Eagles' receiver, DeSean Jackson, resulted in both players leaving the game, and a concussion for Jackson.
If the NFL were to take the steps to actually put a suspension rule into effect this season, it would be an unprecedented development. In recent years the NHL has changed rules mid-season, and even during a playoff series, but the NFL has always stood fast and refused to acknowledge on-field issues until the off-season. I, for one, sincerely hope the NFL gets out of its own way and suspends players for helmet-to-helmet hits, because it is obvious that fines aren't doing the trick.
I know there is a tendency to cringe when discussing less violence in football, because the sport is based on brutality. I am no exception. I believe all the rules to protect Quarterbacks are ridiculous, and there has been many a time when I have jumped out of my chair while screaming “you got jacked up!” when a Middle Linebacker unloads on an unsuspecting receiver running a crossing route. However, it seems to me that a line needs to be drawn when brain damage, paralysis, and even death, could possibly be an outcome. I honestly believe professional football players can avoid driving their helmets into other player's helmets on most occasions; and they should do so, for the fans, for their fellow players, and for themselves.
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Hogwash, you can't just start penalizing players for every helmet-to-helmet hit. The game is so fast today that decision are made in fractions of seconds, helmet-to-helmet hits are going to happen. If a defensive player is going in for a tackle and the offensive player ducks or bends over or changes the position of his head by just a few inches, that defensive player is going to get suspended for something he had no control of. I agree that concussions and head and neck injuries are more prominent in the NFL these days and no one likes to see a player lie motionless on the field. So if they want to suspend players for helmet-to-helmet hits it damn sure better for ones that seem down right intentional. Like the one Brandon Mariweather laid one Todd Heap, i mean it was basically a flying headbutt, but there are a majority of helmet-to-helmet hits that just come with the natural flow the game. You get enough bodies flying around a 53 yard by 25 yard portion of the field accidents are going to happen. So on this argument I'm with Stuart Scott. Nobodies making these players play, it's a choice they know the hazards of their profession. If a players not comfortable with the risks of his job then maybe he should find a new one. Ok i think I've ranted enough, Love ya bro, come home soon
ReplyDeleteWhile I do agree there is a good amount of grey area in terms of what qualifies as a helmet-to-helmet, I am still sticking to my beliefs on this issue. The Meriweather hit would be an obvious example of a hit that deserved a suspension, because he lined up Todd Heap's head like a soccer ball. However, I still think a combined effort to avoid blows to the head will be beneficial for players and fans alike, for the very reason Todd pointed out; nobody wants to see a player lying motionless on the ground. We've seen players suffer paralysis from hits on the field, and I'm just afraid it will take a player actually getting killed for there to be a significant change in the mentality of the sport.
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