USC’s Su’a Cravens says he isn’t concerned about link between football and CTE

Su’a Cravens was asked Wednesday at USC pro day if he had any concerns about a link between chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, and football as he prepares for a career in the NFL.

The former Trojans linebacker said no.

“I know I am going into a game where I am going to hit and sometimes you are going to use your head to hit and you might get a concussion, that’s what we signed up for,” Cravens said.

“I saw the NFL passed that they aren’t going to be paying any more lawsuits on CTE from now on, so in that case, let’s take helmet-to-helmet penalties out.

“If we know what we are signing up for, let’s play. That’s how I look at it. I mean I like to play ball.”

Jeff Miller, the NFL’s senior vice president for health and safety, was asked last week if a definitive link had been established between the degenerative brain disease and football.

“The answer to that question is certainly yes,” said Miller, adding that questions remain about the connection.

Cravens, 6 feet 1 and 220 pounds, is projected as a second- or third-round selection in the draft.