NFL Clamp Down on Illegal Hits
The NFL have released a video to NFL players as they seek to clamp down on illegal hits which has been met with consternation by a huge number of football players who are lamenting the end of big hits and a move towards flag football. This huge overreaction has in turn been met with criticism from those at the top of the game extolling the need for improving players’ safety.
In the first six weeks there have been 35 concussions or head injuries that have stopped players from playing in the following game, in 2009 there were only 21, 2008 there were 24 whilst in 2007 there were just 18. The hits to the head have become more frequent and more dangerous and with the NFL setting an example to the next generation it is important that something is done.
Jim Mora was featured on ESPN applauding the NFL for their action whilst acknowledging that the big hits and big plays are part of what makes Football so appealing. It is impossible to legislate all big hits out of football and if they did then football would lose a lot of its appeal. What is necessary is to remove the malicious hits from the sport, remove the hits that are intended to injure players.
A number of prominent NFL figures have cited the need for education, not only of the players but also of officials. Players need to know exactly what they are and aren’t allowed to do and the officials need to know even better to ensure uniform application of the laws. The video itself will provides guidelines but many experts are already warning that these may not be enough to clarify what is sure to be a controversial grey area in the months ahead.
Football is a violent game and for it to remain at the pinnacle of sports the spirit and aggression that are vital to the sport must be maintained whilst also controlling those players whose malicious intentions cause actual harm through illegal use of their bodies as weapons. The NFL must set an example for all levels of the sport and must clamp down on all illegal and dangerous hits.
Daron Vaught takes a look at the motive behind the scenes:- Money Talks: The NFL’s Mystery Motive
Chris Schroeder says this is Football: Big Hits? That’s Just Football
