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From THe American Thinker...

The end of the NFL as we know it?

A recent, preliminary study for the NFL demonstrates that "Retired professional football players may have a higher rate than normal of Alzheimer's disease or other memory problems, suggests a preliminary study that provides more fuel for concerns about long-term risk of concussions."

If these data are followed up with corroborating evidence, it could spell doom for football as we know it.

It's been known for a long time that the after effects of a pro football career are profound in terms of extremely high and early rates of arthritis, joint replacement, and everyday levels of high pain, but these conditions have been considered a worthwhile tradeoff by the players in return for their salaries, fame, and future earning possibilities based on their professional careers and affiliation to the sport.

The 'doom' forecast by the author is one of lawsuits by ex-players and families against the league and teams, and to me is another reason we need tort reform. During an player's professional career, he is well-compensated and has the best health care in the nation (almost as good as that given to US Senators and Congressmen), and he did freely choose to participate. No one is forcing him to don jade and steel and enter an arena of combat to the death; no one forces him to play this game.

I was watching the Sept. 27 1999 Monday Night game when the SF 49'er's concussion-ridden Steve Young, playing against my favorite NFC team (the Arizona Cardinals) finally made his last play. He was hit by pro-bowl cornerback Aeneas Williams, knocked out (literally) of that game and never came back. But he's gone on to get a law degree and is involved in ESPN's football coverage. A smart guy, he gave a speech to the RNC Convention in 2000. Whether or not he succumbs to Alzheimer's is a question reserved for his later years.

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Oh. My prediction for the Titans / Colts game tonight (that I'll unfortunately miss because I have to fly to Chicago this afternoon)? Well, the Titans have always given Peyton's girls a fit. We might see some serious Chris Johnson shoved down their throats, and who knows? maybe Vince Young might show up in a wildcat option, since the Bolts had such a hard time against Miami using that a while back.

In any event, Fisher will have the Titans prepped and ready for this game. He's on the hot seat too.

Final score? Colts 37, Titans 13. And 0-5.

(Here's hoping I'm wrong... )

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