Helmet to helmet blows and hard hits seem to be a real big topic for the NFL this week. They have stiffened the penalties for these hits and are even considering suspensions starting this week. There has been a backlash by the players and fans who say it is a necessary part of the game and if you take it away it will cheapen the NFL and there will be less interest. I disagree with that, and I don't really have any problems with the NFL being stricter on penalties.
On one hand you have all these past and present players wanting a new collective bargaining agreement that will allow players to be covered for their medical expenses due to injuries on the football field for the rest of their life. Then on the other hand they still want to bust heads and let the injuries fall where they may. But why do players need to use the helmet as a weapon and risk getting concussions and even possible spinal injuries? I understand that when a receiver catches the ball the defender wants to make a crushing blow to knock the ball out, but is giving him brain trauma really worth getting a fumble? It is just a game, I'm okay with just making an arm tackle on the guy.
Lots of players and fans say that all the people that watch the NFL only do so because of big hits. I have a hard time believing that's true because then there wouldn't be people rooting so hard for their favorite team. I know that when I watch the NFL it's to see a good game, or to watch great athletes play football. If there's a big hit then I say "Wow, what a hit", but if I watch an entire game and there are no big hits, in no way am I disappointed.
Plenty of players have voiced their opinions on how this will change football and if they can't hit hard they don't want to play. This goes along with the macho, violent attitude of football players, period. How many baseball players do you hear about getting arrested? Do basketball players get arrested for anything other than smoking dope? Football players are constantly getting arrested on gun charges, domestic abuse, confrontations at nightclubs, and all of the violent, reckless things that they let loose on the football field.
Have some self control, just make a tackle instead of delivering a punishing blow. The NFL should suspend players for purposefully using their helmet to make a hit. I don't have a problem with it, and neither should anyone who is a football fan. There is no reason an ambulance should have to come out onto the field because of a vicious hit made by a player who wanted to get their picture in the paper.
JB
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