The Biggest Problem Facing the NFL

This past week two star running backs have visited the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and that isn't good news. The Philadelphia Eagles Brian Westbrook and the Washington Redskins Clinton Portis both went to Pittsburgh because of problems after suffering concussions on the field of play. There is much debate on the long lasting effects of multiple concussion on players, but there have been links to depression, dementia, and a decline in cognitive skills. Names from the past such as Andre Waters, who committed suicide, and Mike Webster, who died at age 50 not being able to care for himself, are the horror stories that show what can happen when concussions aren't treated properly. Stars like Steve Young, Troy Aikman, and Merrill Hoge have had their careers shortened by multiple concussions, but seem to be doing well in their post NFL careers in broadcasting. The main thing it appears is knowing when to hang them up and even though I am not a doctor I think that time has come for Brian Westbrook. Westbrook suffered two concussions in the span of three weeks among numerous other injuries he has had during his career. Obviously it is a decision that is up to Westbrook, the Eagles, his doctors, and his family, but I really hope I won't hear Westbrook's name on ESPN ten years from now in a story comparing him to Webster and Waters.

Song of the Blog: A slow sappy song is today's Song of the Blog, Everything I Own by Bread. You might say what 38 year old man would ever confess to liking such a song, well that would be me. I remember this song from way back in the 70's when my older siblings would be listening to WJBQ out of Portland, Maine. I've always liked it and still do, so let the taunting begin.

Hey Guys check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel, 33 Summers at: http://www.darrenpare.com/Announcements.html