NFL head injuries focus of concern

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Organized sports have always seemed beyond the reach of outside accountability, but that has eroded in recent years with a congressional investigation into the use of steroids in baseball and today’s hearing on head injuries in the NFL.

Calling it a matter of life and death, Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), chairman of the Judiciary Committee, which held today’s hearing, called for an independent review of all data relating to head injuries.

‘I say this, not simply because of the impact of these injuries on the 2,000 current players and more than 10,000 retirees associated with the NFL and their families,’ Conyers said. ‘I say it because of the effect on the millions of players at the college, high school and youth levels.’ A study, conducted for the NFL by researchers at the University of Michigan, suggested that retired pro football players may have a higher rate of Alzheimer’s and memory problems than those who do not make a living using their heads as battering rams. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the NFL will offer free follow-up medical work to 56 players who reported dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other memory-related problems as well as other financial aid.

Most of the witnesses, including doctors, former players and players’ representatives, said they would support more research on how to prevent injuries, seeking rule and equipment changes, if needed.

But the bigger question was posed by Texas Republican Lamar Smith, who insisted that ‘the NFL does not need Congress to referee this issue.’

‘Football, like soccer, rugby and even basketball and baseball, involves contact that can produce injuries,’ Smith said. ‘We cannot legislate the elimination of injuries from the games without eliminating the games themselves.’

-- Michael Muskal
Twitter.com/LATimesmuskal