Who's to Blame?

It's human nature to always need someone else to blame. I guess that it makes sleeping a little easier. Seventy-five former NFL players, including Mark Duper and Ottis Anderson, have filed a lawsuit against the NFL and helmet manufacturer, Riddell. Alleging that the NFL knew about the dangers of head injuries dating all the way back to the 1920's and failed to warn it's players. Football players knew about head injuries dating further back than the 1920's. That's why they wore those little leather helmets. That's why many grew their hair long. They tried to create as much protection as possible. Everyone knew that head injuries were possible. I knew about the risk of head injuries when I was a kid. I certainly knew about them after I suffered my first football-related concussion. I played anyway. All seventy-five players, including Mark Duper and Ottis Anderson, would have played no matter how much information they had. The NFL was definitely wrong in not releasing the entirety of their 1994 study into the effects of head trauma. Would the results have changed anything in the desire of kids, teenagers and adults to strap on the pads and play some football? I doubt it. It's not really stopping too many people now. Football is more popular than it's ever been. Playing any sport, let alone simply being active, brings risk. Blaming the NFL for taking advantage of the players is one thing. As any employer takes advantage of their employees, the NFL has taken advantage of the players every day since 1920. They always will. The NFL is guilty of a lot of things, but bringing about head trauma isn't one of them. Playing football does that. The NFL should show a greater interest in the health of former players. That is no admission of guilt. It's simply an admission of respect. Hopefully, the new CBA will have sufficient provisions to assist the players in their later years. They've earned it. It's simply a bit naive of the players to claim that they didn't know the risks. I knew the risks as a kid. The seventy-five adults sure should have known them when they stepped on the field.

Update: Ottis Anderson says that he was never part of the lawsuit.