Cam Newton: Brain Damaged? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Cam Newton: Brain Damaged?

Is the NFL doing enough to protect league players?

58
Cam Newton: Brain Damaged?
ddns.net

As someone who grew up in North Carolina, I have always been a strong supporter of the Carolina Panthers. Some of my favorite memories from home include gathering around nachos at the living room coffee table and watching our Panthers compete. Whether they were losing every game or close to having a perfect season, my family loved to support the Carolina Panthers. However, the Panther’s 2016 season has taken an unexpected and rather ominous turn that sheds light on the lack of safety in the NFL.

As I am sure many of you reading know, Panther’s quarterback Cam Newton took several helmet-to-helmet hits during the Denver Broncos game. Only one of these hits received a penalty for the Broncos. Not only is this lack of attention to players’ safety rather alarming, but no one ever pulled the League MVP out of the game for a concussion diagnosis. Newton rose very slowly after the last hit administered during the Broncos game, but the NFL concussion protocol failed Newton and failed all the players in the NFL.

It does not matter whether you are the League MVP or the third-string punter… the concussion protocol should be consistent for everyone throughout the league. Cam Newton should have at least received some form of concussion testing after the game. Instead, the four helmet-to-helmet hits he received drew no medical attention and lots of public unrest.

During the Falcons game just this past Sunday, Cam Newton sustained a concussion early in the fourth quarter. He will now have to be cleared by a doctor before returning to the field. This brings the long debated topic of head trauma in the NFL back to center stage. The NFL still has a long way to go in terms of head trauma and concussion protocol.

On September 14, 2016, an initiative intended to increase the safety of the game in regards to preventing, diagnosing and treating head injuries was introduced by the National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell. This initiative will provide 100 million dollars towards the support of engineering advancements and medical research. The 100 million dollars will be provided by the League and its 32 club owners. This initiative has received the name: “Play Smart Play Safe Initiative.”

It is important to note the changes the NFL is actively trying to make to avoid the continued head trauma of its players. Since 2002, the NFL has made 42 rule changes to protect players in response to the suicide of Mike Webster. The degenerative disease, CTE, found in Webster’s brain was caused by repeated head trauma. Like I said, the League has a long way to go. However, their effort thus far must be acknowledged.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

193926
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

17097
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459479
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27526
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments