Rutgers athlete paralyzed as athlete security is a growing concern

A freak incident in an NCAA football match has left a Rutgers player paralyzed. Greater concern of athlete safety has been elevated in the professional game, and the Eric LeGrand injury highlights the need for greater security in the game. This year has seen increased scrutiny by the NFL to try to reduce harm from concussions sustained in games. Damage sustained by football players at all levels, especially by helmet contact, is an increasing national concern.

In the course of the kickoff return, an athlete for Rutgers becomes paralyzed

Rutgers University was playing a match against Army, and a kickoff return in the fourth quarter left a Rutgers football player paralyzed, according to ESPN. As Army running back Malcolm Brown had been returning the kickoff, Rutgers defensive left tackle Eric LeGrand attempted to make a tackle. He made a decision before hitting him. He lowered his helmet down. He hit Brown hard. Then, he lay on the field without moving one bit. A few minutes later, many took action. He had been put on a stretcher and transported out. LeGrand was transported to the hospital. It was there the news of his third and fourth cervical vertebrae were fractured was discovered. He will most likely be paralyzed now. From the neck down, this is expected.

National Football League player safety

More player safety rules were initiated into this year’s season of the NFL. Before going back to practice, any player who gets a concussion has to pass a battery of tests to prove they’re able to play again. The NFL is making sure there are worse penalties for helmet to helmet hits. At the moment of impact, one shouldn’t lower your head. This creates much more risk. Sports illustrated explained that while being tackled by Jack Tatum, Darryl Stingley lowered his helmet during a pre-season game in 1978 against the Oakland Raiders. Stingley became paralyzed. Tatum, nicknamed “The Assassin,” had been trying to keep away from a helmet to helmet hit. Tatum, along with the rest of the Raiders, ended up being known as cheap shot artists.

What the price of amusement is

It is constantly dangerous to play a sport, although it’s even more dangerous as the sport gets more competitive. Players continue to get faster, bigger and stronger. This means that athletes today have a greater risk in their profession.

Citations

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/