Rutgers player paralyzed amid concerns over athlete security

A freak accident in an NCAA football match has left a Rutgers player paralyzed. The Eric LeGrand injury comes during a time of greater worry of athlete security. The professional ranks have been raising awareness of security concerns for players. This year has seen increased scrutiny by the NFL to try to cut back harm from concussions sustained in games. Enthusiasts have been getting concerned also. Injuries due to helmet on helmet contact has been scrutinized more than ever.

Rutgers player paralyzed during kickoff return

ESPN reports that a Rutgers football player became paralyzed during a kickoff return in a match between Rutgers University and Army. Malcolm Brown was trying to return the kickoff as the Army running back. Eric LeGrand then tried to tackle as a Rutgers defensive left tackle. Before the impact occurred, he lowered his helmet. He hit Brown hard. Then, he lay on the field without moving one bit. He had been taken off with a stretcher just a couple minutes later. LeGrand had been transported to the hospital. It had been there the news of his 3rd and fourth cervical vertebrae were fractured was discovered. He will probably be paralyzed from the neck down.

Athlete safety worries with the NFL

The NFL has instituted rules for this season for greater player safety. Before going back to practice, any player who gets a concussion has to pass a battery of tests to prove they are able to play again. Helmet to Helmet hits could be cracked down on. The National Football League plans to make penalties worse. At the moment of impact, one shouldn’t lower your head. This creates much more risk. In 1978, Darryl Stingley lowered his head while being tackled by Jack Tatum. This had been during a pre-season game even, Sports Illustrated reports. Stingley was paralyzed. Tatum tried to stay away from the helmet to helmet hit but had been named “The Assassin” anyway. Tatum, along with the rest of the Raiders, ended up being known as cheap shot artists.

Amusement includes a price

Playing sports is dangerous at all levels, though the more competitive ranks pose even more risk. Players are bigger, stronger and faster than in previous eras, and many previous professionals are noting a greater risk for today’s athletes.

Citations

ESPN

sports.espn.go.com/new-york/ncf/news/story?id=5696563

NFL

nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81b6d381/article/suspensions-could-be-coming-for-helmettohelmet-hits

Sports Illustrated

sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/07/28/tatum/