NFL - Concussion/Head Trauma Precautions and Implications

An issue quickly overtaking the “steroid-era” in (professional) sports, or at least football is the issue of concussions and severe head trauma. In the last few years the awareness of concussions and head trauma has increased as new rules have been implemented and strictly enforced by officials. Recently, referees have been asked to look out for symptoms and/signs of head injury sustained during play, that may be overlooked by team doctors/trainers. Two weeks ago, San Diego Chargers’ offensive lineman Kris Deilman experienced a concussion. At the time, he was allowed to continue play, as he did not fall to the ground or show obvious signs of distress. He was later allowed to fly home from New York; upon landing he experienced a seizure. Other than the diagnosed concussion he appears to be in good health.

As a football player head trauma is a legitimate concern. What many may not realize are the implications that it has on an individual later in life, as it can lead to various mental illnesses and general complications. Despite what some may say about the new rules and how they affect the nature of the game, the players safety is much more important. Every and any possible precaution should be taken in order to prevent such injuries.

HGH testing and Tobacco Ban – MLB

In recent Major League Baseball news, there has been a push to ban the use of smokeless tobacco in the public view during games. As well as a topic seemingly overshadowed by the issues surrounding the NFL; the use and testing of HGH in the MLB. Both controversial areas were publicly addressed when two House Democrats, Henry Waxman of California and Frank Pallone of New Jersey, wrote a letter to both Bud Selig, commissioner of the MLB, and Michael Weiner, executive director of the players union, requesting significant changes in policy. The representatives stated: “These issues affect the integrity of the game, the health of your players, and most important, the health of teenagers who aspire to be like pro players” (Waxman & Weiner - ESPN). Some baseball players interviewed said they would embrace a ban on tobacco products, while others felt that a ban would infringe on their personal freedom. As for the testing of HGH, “The time to begin testing for HGH in baseball has arrived” (Waxman & Weiner – ESPN). The use of blood testing seems to be the preferred method of prevention, as it has been implemented in both the NFL and the Olympics already.

In regards to the use of smokeless tobacco in the MLB I cannot be swayed in either direction. Solid evidence has been put forth supporting both sides of the argument. A recent ban of smokeless tobacco has been instated in Minor League Baseball, and there have been seemingly no serious issues. It is a logical medical concern, one that cannot be ignored by the Players Union, for those who choose to use it. Many companies do not allow individuals to use tobacco while working, therefore it seems logical that MLB players be held in the same regard while they perform their jobs. On the flip side of things, tobacco is tradition in baseball dating back to the 19^th century. I do agree with some players that a ban would infringe upon their freedom. Despite the fact that they would not be able to use it in the public view or well wearing a uniform, they would still be able to use it. If a ban is set in place, players will find a way around “breaking” the rules, just as they do with performance enhancing drugs.

The issue of HGH in sports is getting out of control; there should clearly be testing no matter what method they choose to utilize. It is an unfair advantage and a serious medical concern for those who use them. There should be no argument or complaining if testing becomes policy.       

True Enough Response - Perception of Reality

The controversial book True Enough written by Farhad Manjoo discusses significant topics present in the United States’ public sphere, emphasizing the perception of reality; what and why we choose to believe the things that we do. A number of situations are explored and deliberated, but ultimately Manjoo advises that when considering the truth people “choose wisely” (Manjoo 230). This message proves to be particularly intriguing as all of his examples are relevant to the public sphere, its’ technology, and the individuals that encompass it.

I personally enjoyed reading the somewhat unusual outlook that Manjoo holds regarding truth and its’ validity; he has no issue with publicly challenging established beliefs of the general population. “Experts” are placed under a magnifying glass and examined; in this day and age it has become more difficult to determine the true experts from those individuals who simply forge their knowledge. Manjoo states: “We consult experts specifically to learn something about which we are ignorant. The transaction is inherently treacherous because ignorance puts us at a disadvantage, too. How can we know whether the ‘experts’ who dominate the public discourse really are expert?” (Manjoo 108) With the technology available in our world it has become easier to fake expertise in a specific field, thus clouding the perception of truth regarding a topic.

What one perceives as fact often depends on personal principles: “we choose our personal versions of truth by subscribing to the clutch of specialists we find agreeable and trustworthy” (Manjoo 107). It is scary to consider that truth may not actually be the truth, as we only recognize our personal certainty. The truth then has an unlimited amount of possibilities. Once an attitude regarding reality is established, people do not tend to stray from it: “People tend to interpret and understand new information in a way that accords with their own views” (Manjoo 150). These statements caused me to reflect on my own opinions; “why do I believe what I do?” Manjoo presents legitimate arguments, reflected in my personal beliefs.

True Enough raises important points relevant to each individual and each society. It is important to be open to other viewpoints besides your own, consider other accounts and generate your perception of truth from there.

True Enough #2

Not only is True Enough relevant to class, it is also relevant to everyday life. Another intriguing point that Manjoo suggests is that “people tend to interpret and understand new information in a way that accords with their own views” (150). As people living in the public sphere we often hold very firm, personal beliefs, “and when people disagree with us, we’re apt to decide that they’re not being reasonable” (154). It is as if we are always seeking the truth, and we will not stop fighting until it is attained; but what is truth really? Manjoo keeps me interested, as I am always pondering questions regarding society and personal beliefs. He raises ideas that are not brought up very often.   

True Enough #1

Despite the fact that I did not enjoy the first 25 pages of Manjoo’s True Enough, the rest of the book was not too bad. The message put forth in the book; truth and reality can be greatly influenced and directed, proved to be very relevant to class. The public sphere holds a tremendous amount of power, influencing individuals in many different fashions.

One example of this power was seen on page 115 where Manjoo speaks of the “Dr. Fox effect”, in which “the suggestion that a person’s speaking style could so strongly seduce an audience -  that the way you said something might be more important than what you’d actually said – really makes you think twice about how the public evaluates so-called experts.” This truly reminds me of our modern day media and the topics that they decide are important. A lot of what we see in the news today has to do with the lives of celebrities, facebook or some other trendy subject. The media can allow us to forget what is truly important in life.

True Enough Chapter 1

To be quite honest the first 25 pages of True Enough were a bit dry. The concept that Manjoo attempts to portray is very relevant to our class: people often twist the news to coincide with their own ideas. However, the fashion in which he presented the message made it difficult for me to really dive into the book, as I would a novel like 1984. It will be interesting to see where the book goes from here, I guess it can only get better for me.

Lance: King of Performance Enhancing Drugs

 In recent “steroid news”, Lance Armstrong is being questioned, yet again, for the possible abuse of performance enhancing drugs.  Armstrong, who won every Tour de France from 1999-2005, is under speculation for occasional visits with Dr. Michele Ferrari, a trainer, barred for life by the Italian Cycling Federation and known to be the head of widespread doping scandals. Armstrong claims: “I've always maintained those guys are my friends and that's not going to change.” The meetings were described as “social”.

This story, as well as almost any other performance enhancing drug story, goes to show the severe effects that one incident can have on an individual in the public sphere. With the strict regulations placed on athletes in our current times, is it even worth the risk of taking performance enhancing drugs. One may feel that with the number of athletes doping they are placed at a disadvantage if they too are not on steroids. The truth is they are bound to be caught, and when they are their reputations are tarnished and in most cases their careers go straight down hill. It amazes me to see that athletes like Lance Armstrong, who have been previously convicted (multiple times), continue to place themselves in questionable positions. Sure they are under extreme scrutiny, but for good reason … Just play the games the way they are intended to be played.