This movie is definitely going to stir up conversation on the concussion topic within the National Football League (NFL). Many players within the NFL have come out and said that they do not want their children playing football because of the risk of concussions and potential brain damage. We have also seen former NFL players commit suicide due to these brain injuries. The NFL has had to deal a lot with this issue, but with this movie coming out they are going to need to be prepared to address the issue and maybe even answer some tough questions.
"In 2013 the NFL announced it would pay $765 million to settle claims brought by thousands of former players saying the NFL concealed a link between football and brain trauma." (Bradley, 2015) With this movie coming out many more individuals are going to be aware of concussions and the NFL is going to need to be prepared.
I grew up in a family that loved watching and playing sports. Every Saturday was spent downstairs watching the Michigan State Spartans with my dad and brother. My cousins and brother all played football, so almost every Friday night was spent at a high school football game. The discussion of concussions and brain trauma resonates close to home, as I am sure it does with many other families.
Throughout the week we have been discussing crisis communication and real-time media. Once this movie comes out the NFL will be dealing with crisis communication, if they aren't already. They know the movie comes out in December, so they have a little over 3 months to prepare for this. The smart thing to do would be to begin making statements about the issue of concussions because if they don't then the NFL is just going to look worse than they already do. The NFL is still dealing with the Tom Brady issue and the deflating of the balls, and they don't need to keep drawing more attention to themselves. This movie will bring to light the dangers of playing football and getting concussions, but the NFL should also be prepared to make a comment.
Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteWith football season approaching, concussions will be a very hot topic. Teams are more alert to the symptoms of concussions, and trying to prevent these injuries. Many athletes have to go through concussion tests in order to receive their baseline in case they do get injured during a game. With the increase in these injuries, you are right that parents are afraid to let their children play the sport. Parents are worried about their child's future, and do not want a sport to ruin their later life. In addition, I do think that the NFL needs to begin making statements regarding concussions due to the movie coming out shortly. The NFL needs to be prepared for the worst and be ready to respond quickly and effectively.