Goodell will expand restrictions concerning head trauma

[ragecage]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=090...s&confirm=true

Commissioner Roger Goodell reportedly will expand restrictions on when or if players who sustain head trauma can return to games.

Fox Sports reported Sunday that Goodell will issue a memo this week to all 32 NFL teams expanding grounds for the removal of a player with a head injury or concussion.

Great news protecting players like this. The video is great to giving a players perspective as to why its hard for players to not play when they suffer a concussion.

This just shows that the NFL gets it on important issues and will take the steps necessary to improve not only the game, but the players we root for.

[Arctic Blast]

I'm glad to see this. I think these leagues are starting to realize that a brain injury is not something a player should just 'shake it off' and get back out there.

[free2131]

I'm glad to see this. I think these leagues are starting to realize that a brain injury is not something a player should just 'shake it off' and get back out there.

Rub some dirt on it.

[haveacigar]

This just shows that the NFL gets it on important issues and will take the steps necessary to improve not only the game, but the players we root for.

Lets not go that far. It took a considerable degree of outside pressure to get to this point.

[gRYFYN1]

Lets not go that far. It took a considerable degree of outside pressure to get to this point.

And listening to Heinze Ward throw Rothlesberger under the bus both before and after the game in which doctors told him not to play, I think we can realize why these steps are necessary.

[ragecage]

Lets not go that far. It took a considerable degree of outside pressure to get to this point.

Not to the extent to get other policies in place for other sports where it took years and years to get something done.

Really there hasnt been an outcry to make rule changes. It has only been discussed that concussions are a serious issue. Dont forgot Goodell is still relatively new as a commish as well, for him to do some of the things he is doing just in his first few years is outstanding.

Also, I really dont think anyone outside of the medical community put any pressure on the league to make rule changes. The NFL realizes that they need to protect their marquee players (that draw ratings) and prolong their careers and health as long as possible.

[OregonDuck1989]

Mike Ditka took the NFLPA to court over head trauma. This isn't out of the blue.

Goodell did something good but I highly doubt there wasn't any outside pressure.

[Arctic Blast]

Mike Ditka took the NFLPA to court over head trauma. This isn't out of the blue.

Goodell did something good but I highly doubt there wasn't any outside pressure.

Yep, there has been a LOT of pressure put on the PA, who haven't done much at all for old players who are increasingly broken down because of their playing careers.

[OregonDuck1989]

Yeah the Congressional Hearings that occurred last year discussed not only the old players but also rule changes for new players to prevent what is happening to broken down old players.

I think their main point was a sad story of a former player killing himself after his brain was so badly damaged in football he had the mental capacity of an 11 year old.

Sad, sad stuff.