The boxing industry faced criticism for the obvious physical damage done to its boxers. Now it’s time for the NFL to admit to what many see is an obvious danger to the sport’s players.
The PBS program Frontline has been working on a show called “League of Denial” on the effects of football on brain concussions. Last week, ESPN was forced to withdraw from contributing to the show’s production due to pressure from the NFL itself.
The boxing industry survived, as will the NFL. This recent strong arming of ESPN does not help the NFL’s cause. It is unfortunate they brought even more attention to their denial by attempting to block the story from ESPN’s perspective.
We should expect to see some changes in the way the game is played as well as the way in which the players are compensated, but it’s unlikely that this American sport is going to lose any viewership.
Eye on the Ball 