Concussion Controversy: Tua and Brown

Tua recieving help after his 2nd concussion of the season

Tua recieving help after his 2nd concussion of the season

The NFL concussion protocol was first implemented in 2011. Its purpose is to protect the players and not allow them to enter the games or play at all if they have shown symptoms of concussions. Blows cause concussions to the head that causes the brain to move back and forth, which can negatively impact players’ brain health. Physician, forensic pathologist, and neuropathologist Bennet Omalu is one of the leading researchers of concussions and CTE. He has concluded that repeated concussions will permanently affect players.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain condition caused by repeated blows to the head and concussion episodes. Its symptoms include personality and mood changes, memory problems, and depression. Former NFL player Antonio Brown is a recent example of the effect CTE and concussions can have on a person’s mind. During the week 17 game of the 2021 NFL season, Brown abruptly exited the game by throwing his pads and helmet off and running off the field. While CTE can’t be diagnosed until after death, many brain specialists have suspected that Antonio Brown’s actions are symptoms of CTE. More recently, Brown harassed a woman at a hotel pool while nude. The 7x Pro Bowler has a history of controversies starting in 2018, with an even more comprehensive account of concussions.

Antonio Brown leaving the field after getting in visible argument with Buc’s coach         Pictured by ESPN reporter, Ed Werder

Quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa, has recently dealt with the danger of a severe concussion. In week 4, Tua was slammed to the ground during play, and his hands started to curl up, and Tua was unable to move and was eventually carted off the field. The week prior, Tua was seen stumbling into the huddle after his head met the ground. Both the stumbling and his finger involuntarily moving are symptoms of severe concussions. Bennet Omalu said about Tua’s situation, “Tua, my brother. I love you as much as I love my son, Stop playing. Stop. Hang your helmet and gallantly walk away.” Omalu says that Tua has suffered permanent brain damage, and if he continues to play, it will only worsen and impact his life later.

Senior Lucas Elmiger had this to say when asked about Tua’s situation, “It really sucks to see a player with such a bright future almost have his career ended because of concussions. The dolphins shouldn’t have cleared him to play.” When asked whether the NFL is stressing the dangers of concussions enough, Lucas said, “No, they are not. Tua is not the first player to have their career almost ruined and will not be the last if the NFL doesn’t make some changes.” Tua Tagovailoa has been cleared to play just three weeks after being severely concussed.
Senior Aidan Hedley had this to say when asked about Antonio Brown and his controversies, “He (Antonio Brown) is a perfect example of what effects concussions can have on players’ health. He had such a great career and was such an amazing player. It is disappointing to see his career end with all the focus on the bad stuff.”
The future of the NFL protocol is unknown. Because of the Tua situation, teams have been hesitant to play players who have had a recent concussion. In addition, after an 11-year career, Antonio Brown has decided to hang up the pads and end his NFL career. While concussions will always be a problem for players in the NFL, these recent controversies may cause the NFL to look at the concussion protocol and the rules altogether.