Here's why we have the new concussion rule ...
AFL, NRL concussion policy positive move as study rules multiple concussions led to NFL star's death By staff writers with Newscore
FOX SPORTS
May 03, 2011 4:40PMFears remain for the long-term health and wellbeing of football players, after a study showed the brain of deceased Super Bowl winner Dave Duerson was a mess as a result of multiple concussions.
Duerson, who killed himself in February, was found to have "classic" and "moderately advanced" symptoms of brain damage, Chicago Sun-Times reported after doctors at Boston University examined Duerson's brain in conjunction with the player's last wish.
The study revealed Duerson had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative disease common to boxers, football players and others who experience multiple concussions and head injuries.
"When you look at (Duerson's) brain microscopically, it's indisputable," said Dr. Ann McKee, the director of Neuropathology Care at Boston University's Alzheimer's Disease Center. "He has the classic appearance of [CTE]."
"He had severe involvement of all the structures that affect things like judgment, inhibition, impulse control, mood and memory."
The AFL and NRL have introduced new concussion policies this season, to the disappointment of players such as Richmond Tigers star Jack Riewoldt, who most certainly did not appreciate being prevented from re-entering the fray back in round two of the AFL premiership.
Riewoldt is not the only star denied action this season, as a result of the AFL's new concussion policy.
Carlton's Jarrad Waite, Brisbane Lions' Jonathan Brown and Geelong's Joel Selwood have also fallen victim to the new rule designed to prevent them suffering a worse fate later in life.
The issue has raised it's head in rugby union as well, with Berrick Barnes and Tatafu Polota-Nau each suffering back-to-back concussions recently.
And one doesn't have to look far to see the litany of players who have struggled with head injuries as a result of multiple concussions.
Bulldogs forward Corey Payne, spent the better part of a season on the sidelines with post-concussion syndrome when he was a Dragons player.
Former Sharks second-rower and now personal trainer Reece Williams had his promising career cut short at just 24 years of age as a result of too many head knocks.
In many respects, they are lucky.
Medical staff picked up the issues and refused to allow them to return, in Payne's case until it was safe; in Williams's case not at all.
They could have suffered the fate of Duerson, who was elected to four straight Pro Bowls from 1986 to 1989 and also won a second Super Bowl with the 1990-1991 New York Giants.
Duerson's family requested the findings of the Boston University study be made public.
"My father was a man of many accomplishments, both on the field and off the field,," Duerson's son Tregg said.
"With these accomplishments came many battles.
"It is my greatest hope that his death will not be in vain, and through this research, his legacy will live on."
The NFL, which has made concussions the focal point of its policy toward improving game safety, commented on the findings.
"Our Head, Neck and Spine Medical Committee will study today's findings, and as a league we will continue to support the work of the scientists at the Boston University Center and elsewhere to address this issue in a forthright and effective way," the league said.
"We also will continue to ensure that concussions are properly treated in the NFL, expand the help we are providing to our retired players, further evaluate playing rules and policy changes to reduce and prevent unnecessary contact with the head."
Read more:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/5141748-419/study-dave-duerson-had-brain-damage-at-time-of-suicide.htmlhttp://www.foxsports.com.au/other-sports/afl-concussion-policy-a-positive-move-as-study-rules-multiple-concussions-led-to-former-nfl-stars-untimely-death/story-e6frf56c-1226049229548
