We are all very busy people, and it seems our lives become
more stressful and intense by the day. Because of this, we need something light
and frivolous to distract us. Instead of sitting at home worrying about a
project at work that is overwhelming us, we can turn on the television and
cheer on the home team.
Sports also play a role in developing a sense of community. Let’s
face it; sports often provide a way for us to bond together. People from
diverse backgrounds can come together and share a common goal.
If the Tennessee Titans or Nashville Predators win a big
game, then everybody shares in that. It does not matter if a person is living
in a fancy mansion or a modest apartment. Their team has won, and for one brief
moment, we are all unified.
Living in this bubble can be nice. Unfortunately, real life
punctures this dream world occasionally. This happened earlier this month when
football legend and certain Hall-of-Famer Junior Seau died at age 43.
He was found in his daughter’s bedroom, and he had a gunshot
wound to his chest and a gun by his side. Officials quickly ruled the death a
suicide.
Why would a man who had a remarkable career and the respect
of his peers and the public end his life this way? While we do not know for
sure at this point, his death is the latest in a series in which former NFL
players died young and for some, their deaths may have been spurred by
long-term injuries from their playing days.
For example, not too long ago former Chicago Bears safety
Dave Duerson also committed suicide by shooting himself in the chest. A primary
reason Duerson ended his life this way was so experts could study his brain to
determine the long-term damage playing football had on him.
While it is not known if Seau’s primary reason for killing
himself in this manner was for this purpose, his brain is also expected to be studied
and his method of suicide will allow this to take place. The bottom line is Seau’s
death will continue to be a story in the coming months. Results from the study
of his brain will likely be big news.
This is because more and more former National Football
League players are suing the league because of long-term health issues they are
having. A primary bone of contention revolves around concussions.
Many players state the league did not take seriously the
long-term consequences of repeated concussions years ago, and the price is
being paid now. The league disagrees.
If study of Seau’s brain supports either side, then expect
that information to be used publically in a dramatic way. Do not underestimate
the stakes in this situation. Professional football is a billion dollar
industry, and both sides will likely use any means necessary to make their
points.
As fans, this controversy should be very sobering for us. As
much as we love football, the sacrifices being made by players are real and
irreversible in some cases. We often do not think about this when a big hit
takes place on the field. We only want results and for our team to win.
While nobody forces these players to play this game, maybe
we all need to become more sensitive to the suffering going on around us.
Should entertainment be this brutal? I love my football, but the conflict in my
heart is growing.
How about you?
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