Rutgers player paralyzed as player security is a growing issue

A collision most recently left a Rutgers player paralyzed. The injury occurred in a freak hit in an NCAA football game. Greater concern of athlete safety has been raised within the professional game, and the Eric LeGrand injury highlights the need for greater security within the game. The National Football League has been on a campaign to lower harm to players. Concussions and other head injuries are of especially good concern. Supporters are getting concerned as well. Injuries due to helmet on helmet contact has been scrutinized more than ever.

Kickoff return when Rutgers athlete becomes paralyzed

Army was against Rutgers University during the sad occasion. ESPN explains that a kickoff return left a Rutgers football athlete paralyzed in the course of the fourth quarter. Malcolm Brown was trying to return the kickoff as the Army running back. Eric LeGrand then tried to tackle as a Rutgers defensive left tackle. He lowered his helmet before impact. After colliding with Brown, he lay motionless on the field. A couple of minutes later, many took action. He was put on a stretcher and transported out. LeGrand was transported to the hospital. It had been there that the news of his 3rd and fourth cervical vertebrae were fractured was discovered. He will likely be paralyzed from the neck down.

Athlete safety worries with the National Football League

More player safety rules were initiated into this year’s season of the NFL. Players who receive concussions during play must pass a battery of tests proving their ability to play again before being allowed to return practice. The National Football League is making sure you will find worse penalties for helmet to helmet hits. There is a lot of risk when it comes to lowering one’s head when hitting another player. In 1978, Darryl Stingley lowered his head while being tackled by Jack Tatum. This had been in the course of a pre-season game even, Sports Illustrated reports. Stingley became paralyzed. Tatum tried to stay away from the helmet to helmet hit but was named “The Assassin” anyway. Tatum, along with the rest of the Raiders, ended up being known as cheap shot artists.

What the costs of getting entertainment are

It’s constantly dangerous to play a sport, although it’s even more dangerous as the sport becomes more competitive. Players are bigger, stronger and faster than in previous eras, and numerous former professionals are noting a greater risk for today’s athletes.

Articles cited

ESPN

sports.espn.go.com/new-york/ncf/news/story?id=5696563

NFL

nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81b6d381/article/suspensions-could-be-coming-for-helmettohelmet-hits

Sports Illustrated

sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/07/28/tatum/