🏈 On the subject of head-on hits and the Rutgers player who's injured.

[ExiledTidefan]

I was reading a very interesting discussion about how to protect these players from these hits with the head leading, that is causing so much injury.

Joe Paterno advocates getting rid of facemasks. I disagree with this, as the risk of injury to the face then becomes the problem. Plus, the helmets would look weird. Then, I'm reading from the WSJ that helmets should perhaps be removed from the game. I don't see how this helps, but perhaps a head covering, protective to the soft tissues might be a better alternative. Similar to the "hair nets" first worn when the game was new.

In any event, I agree that those helmets, with all their technology, are akin to deadly weapons now. And some players/teams use them in incorrect ways much more than others. I'm talking about you, Auburn/South Carolina.

So, my strategy, if the helmets stay, and the face masks stay, is make the penalty for a head first hit much more severe. Game suspensions is one thing, but that simply takes the player out of the game AFTER it has happened. What about a 25 yard penalty? Or, if you're inside the red zone when it happens, automatic points? It's crazy sounding, but we're talking about life or death injury here. Nothing should be off the table to protect these players.

 

[bama29fan]

i have had a Dr. tell me he sees more soccer players with concusions than any other sport combined.

I know concusions are minor compared to being paralyzed but i dont think getting rid of helmets is the answer.

with no face masks the facial injuries would probably go up but they would be broken noses and lacerations...again minor compared to more debilitating injuries. I think what JoPa was getting at is with no face mask players wouldn't feel as invincible and therefore wouldn't be as violent with their hits. thereby minimizing injuries to themselves and others.

I wonder if theres statictics on the severity rugby injuries? they use no helmets

 

[psychojoe]

Could we make the suspension helmet of a less hard, more energy absorbing type material?

I don't like the idea of doing away with the face mask. I can remember the old "football smile" from back in the day.