Chapter 11, Problem 1QC

Do you see any change in the popularity of high school football in your former high school or in your state? Do you think the recent lawsuit against the NFL affect the popularity of professional football?

Summary Introduction

To review:

The effect of lawsuit against the National Football League (NFL) on the popularity of professional football.

Introduction:

In 2007, the NFL conducted a survey, which found that the percentage of football players suffering from dementia after 30 years of age was higher than the national average. After these findings, 4500 former NFL players sued NFL for damages due to concussion-related brain injuries. In 2014, the NFL agreed to compensate former athletes for concussion-related injuries, medical examinations, and to fund research on preventing these injuries.

Explanation of Solution

New evidence has indicated toward potential long-term risks of repetitive head trauma. Athletes who compete in sports with high rates of head impact are at risk for permanent degenerative brain disease later in life, which is called chronic traumatic encephalopathy in medical terminology.

A survey by the NFL in 2007 indicated a high incidence of dementia in its former athletes, which indicates serious effects of repeated head injuries. This prompted many people to file a lawsuit against the NFL. The lawsuit against NFL affected the popularity of professional football and NFL in the United States and sparked a debate on the possible consequences of the lawsuit.

Some people predicted as much as a 10% decline nationally in youth football participation due to concussions, while others feared that some school districts might choose to abolish football due to concerns of parents. It is also widely believed that NFL and football will not lose its popularity if advancements in managing concussion-related injuries are made and if concussion protocols are properly followed.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that the lawsuits against the NFL have increased awareness about the dangers of concussions and other brain injuries. This has led to concerns and a slight decline in the popularity of football, especially among school students. People point out toward a possibility of both decrease and increase in popularity in the coming years. In conclusion, it could be said that the popularity of professional football would depend on medical and regulatory advancements made in the management of concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.