Very Sad Story on Former Steeler Antwaan Randle El

[ncyajleel]

I just hope if anything comes of it that its not just a bunch of NFL players and ex-players making more money. That if something comes of it, it helps everyone that plays from the lowest levels to the highest. Kids play football, and yes the parents should be smarter but not everyone has both or even one parent and some kids don't even have other options. People say the lower levels don't hit as hard, but they don't realize that the brains of these kids are also not fully developed when they are getting hit.

That is the smart way to do it. No problem with guys playing 10+ plus years though. However, these guys have such big egos a lot of them would not retire even with concussion related problems. Sometimes somebody else needs to step in and tell him they can not go on any longer.

That being said, say AB would've gotten a severe concussion. Doesn't play at Denver and the season is over. Comes to camp and they deem him unfit to continue playing football. Burfict gets a hefty fine and is banned for life. If you're going to take it that route, a guy like that who was the sole reason for the concussion should be gone as well.

What about those who dont make money from the sport? Do you feel bad for them? This isnt an NFL issue. It is a football issue.

This guy went to my high school while I was there and my sister is very good friends with his. This can happen to any player, even those with great physical strength.

http://nyti.ms/1DA2Mx9

 

[QuitCallingMeWanny]

What about those who dont make money from the sport? Do you feel bad for them? This isnt an NFL issue. It is a football issue.

This guy went to my high school while I was there and my sister is very good friends with his. This can happen to any player, even those with great physical strength.

http://nyti.ms/1DA2Mx9

no because they choose to play football

 

[phxpanther]

I love Randle-El, so I don't want to sound too cynical. But honestly, the things described in the article really don't seem all that bad, assuming they don't get a lot worse. Those are things that happen with age, regardless if you play football or not. Joints get worse, memory gets worse, eyesight gets worse...

However, the main reason I'm cynical is because I can't help but to link of some of his hyperbole to the current situation at his school. (dropping the football program due to lack of funding) I mean for a guy that had as much success as he did playing football, and enjoying the financial benefits that come along with that, to say that you regret playing seems to be a stretch. Its far from a sure thing to say that he would have had the same success if he had chosen baseball. ...Then finally the statement that he made that he wouldn't be surprised if there is no football in 20 to 25 years... I think we all know that isn't going to be reality.

Regardless, he's a great guy and he's does a lot of great things instead of just talk about it. I hope there is nothing serious going on with his health.

Huh? Indiana's dropping football? Dont think so

 

[HunkyPanther]

It's a shame that some are enduring hardship, but excluding the possible CTE problems, everyone that has played knew there was always the risk of having other chronic Health problems. It's not something new for crying out loud.

 

[Pantherwalk]

NFL players know the risks. Cant have it both ways chasing tens of millions while not signing disclaimer.

 

[burnie1105]

Some of the hand wringing in here is incredible. 'Players know its a dangerous game!' Yes, players know its a dangerous game; and many of them are saying they regret their decision, and won't let their kids make the same mistake.

I love football, but given what we are starting to learn about sub-concussive hits and long-term brain damage, it is growing increasingly indefensible (along with other violent sports like boxing and MMA). Society should not prioritize entertainment over well-being (and I mean significant/permanent well-being, not temporary/fixable things like broken bones or torn ligaments), and the personal agency of the participants does not exculpate us.

 

[HunkyPanther]

Easy for a retired NFL Players to speak outand say things like they won't let their kids play football. Where were they when they were pulling the 5 million a year paycheck? Also...if they guarded their money right... their kids won't have to work...period.