Ricky Williams on NFL and concussions: "I don't buy it"

[ChiefZilla]

We all knew this guy is weird, but he apparently doesn't think the sport of football should necessarily be linked with concussions.

Or does he? It's hard to tell, because he sort of talked all around himself.

"I don't buy it. I'm only speaking from my personal experience, because I haven't allowed myself to buy it, and I haven't been affected. Yes, I'm aware that football is a rough sport, but instead of saying, 'Oh -- I'm doomed to brain trauma," I said, 'What can I do about it?' And I just started taking care of my body. I found people, places, and things that really helped me -- again, I don't know what's going to happen to me in 10 years, but I look at the other things I've learned about, and the way I see the world.

"And to me, it's like -- okay, yes. If we're going to spend six months brutalizing our bodies, I said, 'That makes sense. I'm going to spend six months taking care of my body."

[JSpauny]

I have a very dickheadish stance on concussions in the NFL. Hate to break it to Ricky, but big fucking dudes running into each other at full speed causes concussions. That part is pretty damn obvious. There is nothing that can really be done to prevent that short of a super material that can dampen a head blow in a half of an inch of material without allowing the force to transfer to the head. Plus some people are naturally inclined to brain trauma while others are not. Concussions happen in the NFL, that's just the reality of a violent sport.

Now the dickheadish part.

However, I don't feel sorry for these people one bit. It's their choice to play a lucrative, set-up-for-life sport for a living. Notice how while they are in the NFL none of them complain about concussions because they make so much god damn money. They don't start complaining until they retire and the money starts to run out. I hate how NFL players expect fans to feel sorry for them for the concussions they suffer in a career that they CHOSE in which they make more money in a year than most people will make in their lives. Perfect example: assclown Jacob Bell former rams ole master. Dude retires because of head injury risk. However, later says he would absolutely come back if the money was right. And these clowns want sympathy from the fans. Get the fuck out of here.

Sorry for the rant, just can't stand the way NFL players act about this shit. If they were really worried about head trauma they wouldn't play, plain and simple. Can't have it both ways.

[illadelphia]

[louiemdj]

(05-16-2012 11:17 AM)JSpauny Wrote:  Now the dickheadish part.

However, I don't feel sorry for these people one bit. It's their choice to play a lucrative, set-up-for-life sport for a living. Notice how while they are in the NFL none of them complain about concussions because they make so much god damn money. They don't start complaining until they retire and the money starts to run out. I hate how NFL players expect fans to feel sorry for them for the concussions they suffer in a career that they CHOSE in which they make more money in a year than most people will make in their lives. Perfect example: assclown Jacob Bell former rams ole master. Dude retires because of head injury risk. However, later says he would absolutely come back if the money was right. And these clowns want sympathy from the fans. Get the fuck out of here.

Sorry for the rant, just can't stand the way NFL players act about this shit. If they were really worried about head trauma they wouldn't play, plain and simple. Can't have it both ways.

Most people, including myself would agree with your "dickhead" statements. They know the risk going into it. There is no way they are going to turn down the money either.

I wonder how Ricky "takes care of himself" in the off season. A couple bongs and some blunts?

[Skating Tripods]

While I agree that you're clearly putting yourself at risk by playing, the sport still needs to protect the players better and with better equipment. I'm sure those helmets are about as good as they can get them, but they have to continue to do more.

It'll be interesting to see what today's players are like in 20-30 years now that there's more of an emphasis on the sport's health concerns, mainly concussions.

But, JS, when a cop gets killed in the line of duty, do you have the same opinion? What about when a firefighter dies trying to save someone from a burning building? A coast guard cutter goes down in a horrible storm trying to rescue a vessel in distress and several people lose their lives. Still feel the same way?

Everything's a risk. Hell, getting in your car and driving to Taco Bell has risks associated with it. It's just life. Everybody picks their own path. Guys like Junior Seau were blessed with enough talents to play football.

Doesn't put them in the wrong for being concerned for their health after football.

[ChiefZilla]

I crack up at people saying the NFL will die within 10-20 years or whatever. LOL. As long as there are millions of dollars involved, kids will still grow up wanting to be big-time football players. If the money somehow left, sure, the NFL might die. But the fans and the money ain't going anywhere.

[JSpauny]

(05-16-2012 01:25 PM)Skating Tripods Wrote:  While I agree that you're clearly putting yourself at risk by playing, the sport still needs to protect the players better and with better equipment. I'm sure those helmets are about as good as they can get them, but they have to continue to do more.

It'll be interesting to see what today's players are like in 20-30 years now that there's more of an emphasis on the sport's health concerns, mainly concussions.

But, JS, when a cop gets killed in the line of duty, do you have the same opinion? What about when a firefighter dies trying to save someone from a burning building? A coast guard cutter goes down in a horrible storm trying to rescue a vessel in distress and several people lose their lives. Still feel the same way?

Everything's a risk. Hell, getting in your car and driving to Taco Bell has risks associated with it. It's just life. Everybody picks their own path. Guys like Junior Seau were blessed with enough talents to play football.

Doesn't put them in the wrong for being concerned for their health after football.

The difference between your examples and NFL players is money though. I feel sorry for anyone with a blue collar job who gets hurt on the job because the pay surely isn't equal with what they do. And I'm perfectly ok with those workers asking for sympathy because they deserve it. They don't get paid enough to go through some of the things they have to deal with.

But when you make 5 million dollars a year and you expect people to feel for you that's where I draw the line. It's still a choice. People choose to be cops. People choose to play football. They know the associated risks. If those risks are too great for them, they should choose another profession. They can't decide to play football (let's be real, that's a money choice for I'd guess at least 60% of players if not more. purely money), and then be like "well I didn't know there'd be a chance I got a concussion." It would be like a cop saying "well I didn't think there'd be a chance I could get shot." There are risks associated with every job, you either choose to accept those risks or you choose another profession.

Now sure the NFL should help educate these players and make sure they are in a safe environment. I agree with that.