Rutgers player paralyzed as athlete safety is a growing concern

A collision lately left a Rutgers player paralyzed. The injury occurred in a freak hit in an NCAA football game. The Eric LeGrand injury comes during a time of greater worry of player safety. The professional ranks have been raising awareness of safety concerns for players. This year has seen increased scrutiny by the NFL to try to lower harm from concussions sustained in games. Helmet on helmet contact, also as other dangerous play, has been scrutinized more within the NFL than ever. Source for this article – Rutgers player paralyzed amid concerns over player safety by Personal Money Store.

Player at Rutgers, in the course of the kickoff return, becomes paralyzed

Rutgers University had been playing a match against Army, and a kickoff return in the fourth quarter left a Rutgers football athlete paralyzed, according to ESPN. As Army running back Malcolm Brown had been returning the kickoff, Rutgers defensive left tackle Eric LeGrand attempted for making a tackle. Before the impact took place, he lowered his helmet. He hit Brown hard. Then, he lay on the field without moving one bit. A few minutes later, numerous took action. He had been put on a stretcher and transported out. LeGrand went to the hospital where it was found that his 3rd and fourth cervical vertebrae were fractured. Now, from the neck down, he is expected to be paralyzed.

Athlete safety worries with the National Football League

The NFL is more worried about player safety this year. That is why more rules were made. Players who receive concussions during play must pass a battery of tests proving their ability to play again before being allowed to return practice. Helmet to Helmet hits will be cracked down on. The National Football League plans for making penalties worse. At the moment of impact, one shouldn’t lower your head. This creates much more risk. Sports illustrated explained that when being tackled by Jack Tatum, Darryl Stingley lowered his helmet in the course of a pre-season game in 1978 against the Oakland Raiders. Stingley was paralyzed. Tatum, nicknamed “The Assassin,” was trying to keep away from a helmet to helmet hit. This brought on a bad rep for the Raiders. Tatum’s reputation was especially hurt.

What the costs of bringing amusement are

Playing sports is dangerous at all levels, though the more competitive ranks pose even more risk. Players continue to get faster, bigger and stronger. This means that athletes today have a greater risk in their profession.

Articles cited

ESPN

sports.espn.go.com/new-york/ncf/news/story?id=5696563

NFL

nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81b6d381/article/suspensions-could-be-coming-for-helmettohelmet-hits

Sports Illustrated

sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/07/28/tatum/