Players are making a concious decision to play and accept the risk that goes with it. I know I did.
Spectators do not sacrifice the safety of the player...the player does. Spectators can not force someone to play the game. They only cheer for them when they do. I don't know of any fan that would dismiss a player if they decided to stop playing for health reasons. Those that would...well...that's a different problem all together, and equally concerning as the concussion issue.
Some might argue that spectators fund brutality by paying to see the game. But this does not equate to forced competition. The player can still decide not to play and not to take the money as a result.
If the player determines that money is more important than brain cells, that is their choice. Free will and whatnot.
I read this article a few months ago and was slightly enraged by Gladwell's assertions. Not about whether or not concussions are a serious issue that seems to be largely ignored by most collegiate and pro sports...that part seems pretty obvious and is an issue that deserves serious attention.
What I was frustrated about is Malcolm's "angle" of trying to tie the inhumane nature of dog fighting with that of football. Basically, he asserts that those that enjoy football are no better than those that enjoy a good dog fight, since both are guilty of not having humane concern for the players or the dogs that injure themselves for our amusement. Bullshit says I.
Dogs don't have the choice of being in the fight. Players do. Players are well aware of the risks and consequences and can use this information to make an informed and concious decision to participate. Dogs obviously can't and do not.
Not saying it isn't sad that some players subject themselves to irreparable harm, only that comparing them to dogs and us to hoods is more than a stretch...it's a flimsy angle whose obvious disconnect is deliberately glossed over by someone who is supposed to be an intellectual.
For shame...
...but it will require that you jump into a time machine a warp back a few years to when the merchandising contract was owned by Nike. Adidas has M gear, just low grade crap quality M gear.
I want each of these shirts! Would buy all of these shirts! Please don't ration my MGoStyle.
- Take the caption off the Desmond. The pose says it all.
- Try putting the wings on the helmet in both the Desmond & Woodson. Like the number, I think it would be a nice detail.
I'd also like to see the designs that never made it into the contest...would be a great post for next week!
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