Why Are We So Far Behind?

Concussions are certainly nothing new in sports. They've been one of those unfortunate issues that has hovered over everyone's heads. They can diminish a players ability at the very least, if not lead to them giving up the game entirely. Unfortunately, the initiative to remedy this problem has only just begun in a number of sports where it should have started decades ago.

Many have questioned the new kickoff rule,
but not the thought behind it.

Of course, sports are dangerous. I don't think their is anyone that could argue that point, but how dangerous they have to be is something else entirely. Every sport has begun to develop safer helmets every year, and they may even force players to begin wearing the helmets, even if they don't like them. I have no problem with that at all. Who care if it looks stupid or feels a little different from what you're used to? The benefits greatly outweigh those points. Another move has been to change rules in the game. The NFL has done that by moving the kickoff 10 more yards so that players can't get up to full speed.

However, I've got a little issue with that idea. I understand changing the rules for safety, but not when it changes the complexion of the game, which this rule did. The first half of this season was all boots into the back of the endzone with no returns. This took away a big part of the game. Now it seems that teams have begun to try and drop the kick as close to the one as they can, but that often just leaves the receiver with maybe a few seconds to move before the kicking team is all over them. The problem is that the guy becomes defenseless and we're back at square one. I could go on, but I'll digress.

This is an image we all hate to see.

While I do applaud some rule changes and improved equipment, I have to wonder why it's only happening now. My concern comes from one story in particular. Sydney Crosby, the star of the Pittsburgh Penguins, has been suffering through a concussion since last season. This is one of the NHL's biggest stars and he's young.

There's my biggest fear right there. No one likes to see a veteran have to go out on anything but their own terms, but if a veteran has to quit because of a concussion then I think the general populace can cope. A real tragedy is when the younger stars have to go through it. These guys are young and healthy and usually go all out all the time. That's begging for a concussion, but we love them for their tenacity.

If we love them so much and want them to actually stick around then maybe it's about time we kick things up a notch and protect the future of our sports. That's all I'm sayin'.