pft: Sellers: only "snitches" report concussion symptoms

[twenty-eight]

Sellers: only "snitches" report concussion symptoms (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/21/sellers-only-snitches-report-concussion-symptoms/)

Posted by Michael David Smith on November 21, 2009 11:08 AM ET

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has suggested that players should inform their teams' medical staffs if they believe a teammate is suffering from the symptoms of a concussion.

Washington Redskins fullback Mike Sellers doesn't like that idea.

"We ain't no snitches over here (http://www.fanhouse.com/news/main/nfl-union-pans-reporting-on-teammates/777807)," Sellers said of the idea, per the Associated Press. "That is not happening."

It's a little startling to hear a player suggest that showing concern for a teammate's health is akin to "snitching," but Sellers' blunt assessment serves as a reminder, once again, that no matter how vigilant teams and the league are about trying to keep injured players off the field, some players want to play hurt.

And although Sellers' "snitches" language is questionable, NFL Players Association spokesman George Atallah raises a legitimate issue of whether it's really a player's place to assess whether a teammate has a brain injury.

"If every player were a medical doctor that could recognize symptoms of concussions, then that would be a great idea," Atallah said. "I hope that that league -- instead of asking players to police each other -- would consider calling on team medical staffs and independent doctors to police the situation as closely."

Still, Packers linebacker Aaron Kampman said he has done exactly what Goodell suggests, letting the team doctors know if he thinks a teammate might have a concussion.

"Guys are going to naturally look out for each other," Kampman told the Associated Press. "I see that now. I see a guy come off, and he's woozy, I say, 'This guy here.'"

Our own Mike Florio pointed out that the league's proposal may have more to do with lawyers than with doctors.

"This idea is covered with the fingerprints of a lawyer," Florio mentioned to me over e-mail. "I believe the league wants to be able to say that it created multiple avenues for reporting that players are suffering concussions, and that if the avenues for reporting concussions aren't used, then either there must not be a problem with concussions or the players are largely responsible for the failure of the problem to be properly addressed."


http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/21/sellers-only-snitches-report-concussion-symptoms/

[Xero21]

Wow. Sellers is an idiot.

[703Skins]

lol, big dumb rock. wow

[addicted]

Do you blame him? This is a business and players stand to lose a lot of money if they take a game off because of injury. Think again guys, what do you think would happen if Sellers went to the coaches saying he thought Portis had a concussion that cost Portis a game check? It would rip the team apart and destroy the locker room.

Players aren't doctors, they shouldn't be asked to rat out each other like that, they aren't qualified.

[vnmenon1]

Sellers is a moron

[twenty-eight]

I'm wondering if maybe he would have made these same type of comments if Portis wasn't the guy who suffered the concussion. Or do you folks think, this is really how Sellers feels about players/teammates suffering concussions?

[wildbill1952]

Sellers response was wrong. This is like reporting a loved ones drug or alcohol problem to family. The motivation is to help, not to snitch.

Having said that, the NFL should have doctors on the sidelines to see and recognize problems like these. Sellers is a football player, not a doctor, and should not be making a complicated diagnosis just because he watched the last episode of "House".

[L. Ron Landry]

Snitches won't develop dementia at age 45. I’d say it’s worth it.

[wildbill1952]

FYI. Players on the 53-man roster get paid their salary whether they play or not, even if on IR.

[Annonymous Source]

What I think Sellers was trying to say...alibeit poorly...is that it isnt the job of the players to make sure that other players are injury free. It should be the job of the team medical staff as well as the player himself to detirmine that sort of status. He just said it in a really poor way.

The simple fact is that it really is the player's decision weither they want to play thru the injury or not (and believe me, if you have ever had a concussion you know that you have had it). Why should a concussion be treated any different than an ankle sprain. Both are relatively minor, and can be recovered from. Players play thru both all the time in games. These worries about concussions causing long term damage are no different than the stories of NFL players that have to use a cane at age 40 because there knees are gone.

[Park City Skins]

One of the main problems with the individual suffering the concussion is that there can be a diminishing of self awareness. They may understand that they had a concussion,(the several I 've had I knew that I got one),but the symptoms can persist and they are less likely to notice the symptoms that others could notice,(again,this happened to me). Many times the first best source of information to a Doctor,(and/or trainer),on how an individual is doing the individual them-self. That's where the diminished self awareness can work against everyone. While certainly other players may not be experts,they could,(and probably do sometimes),notice "something has changed" with their teammate. Behavior or otherwise. It's not an exact science and could be prone to jumping the gun at times,but it seems a safer route in the long run than just letting a guy walk in to the room 17 time without knowing why and not remembering the times before that and not doing a thing. I'll have to ponder this one some more.

[polywog999]

I have never had a concussion and I use to box. The thing is though, some people are more prone to experiencing them. If someone has a concussion, they need to stop playing, immediately! The consequences are horrible.

My hero, Wilfred Benitez :(
http://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/12/sports/too-many-beatings-the-boxer-s-disease-haunts-wilfred-benitez-and-his-family.html

[InsaneBoost]

Sellers surprises me more and more.

[Skins4Life6388]

he should do himself a favor and stfu

[ECU-ALUM]

Interesting...between this and Vinny's "It's mental"...the people at MENSA probably won't be making any trips to Redskins Park for a recruiting drive anytime soon.

[terrifNick21]

He must have a concussion himself because anyone in their right mind wouldn't say that. :doh:

[addicted]

I'm really surprised by the reaction to this.

Would you want the team to implode because you had players running to Doctors so they can get playing time?

Imagine M. Kelly going to the Dr's and saying Moss has a concussion? What would Moss think?

Imagine Betts doing that to Portis?

Imagine Davis doing that to Cooley?

Guys your being to naive here. Diagnosing a concussion is not an exact science. The recovery time for a concussion also varies between person to person. And players are not qualified to say who's got a concussion and who doesn't. NFL players are not Doctors. I really don't see why any one would want NFL players running around back stabbing each other like this? I see nothing good coming from this

[WhoRUSupposed2Be]

Sellers response was wrong. This is like reporting a loved ones drug or alcohol problem to family. The motivation is to help, not to snitch.

Having said that, the NFL should have doctors on the sidelines to see and recognize problems like these. Sellers is a football player, not a doctor, and should not be making a complicated diagnosis just because he watched the last episode of "House".

I believe someone had a thread about this in The Stadium.

[Tarantula]

We're all individuals here people, and we should be able to make our own decisions. I think you should definitely confront a teammate with your concerns, but "snitching" on their health is ultimately on them. It's fine to worry about a fellow teammate, but I don't think anyone should take it upon themselves to alert team doctors about their concerns of another person.

[laurent]

It's easy to say Sellers is an idiot, but guess what happens to a lower tier guy that cannot play because of concussion symptoms? Somebody else takes his spot and he may end up seeing his ass getting cut.

Not only that, once players have a reputation in regards to concussions teams are going to be weary to sign them.

[Hardcore Zornography]

I'm really surprised by the reaction to this.

Would you want the team to implode because you had players running to Doctors so they can get playing time?

Imagine M. Kelly going to the Dr's and saying Moss has a concussion? What would Moss think?

Imagine Betts doing that to Portis?

Imagine Davis doing that to Cooley?

Guys your being to naive here. Diagnosing a concussion is not an exact science. The recovery time for a concussion also varies between person to person. And players are not qualified to say who's got a concussion and who doesn't. NFL players are not Doctors. I really don't see why any one would want NFL players running around back stabbing each other like this? I see nothing good coming from this

Ding ding. I think Sellers had the right idea, but he could have used a better term than snitches.

[SkinzNIrishFan]

Do you blame him? This is a business and players stand to lose a lot of money if they take a game off because of injury. Think again guys, what do you think would happen if Sellers went to the coaches saying he thought Portis had a concussion that cost Portis a game check? It would rip the team apart and destroy the locker room.

Players aren't doctors, they shouldn't be asked to rat out each other like that, they aren't qualified.

I don't believe players lose game checks for injuries, only suspensions

[WSHRedskins3ATLBraves3]

I agree with Sellers.

If you're teammate is going to tough it out, then you don't sell him out. Let your teammate make decisions about his health.

[polywog999]

I agree with Sellers.

If you're teammate is going to tough it out, then you don't sell him out. Let your teammate make decisions about his health.
This doesn't make any sense. You notice that a teammate is Ill so you don't speak up for fear of being a snitch. I live in the hood and I wouldn't even do that! Your health comes first. This Is not narcing out a bad guy... It is a friend who doesn't notice he is sick.

[terpskins10]

I agree with Sellers.

If you're teammate is going to tough it out, then you don't sell him out. Let your teammate make decisions about his health.

Problem is, a concussion is a brain injury that can affect one's judgment.

Plus, players aren't making the diagnosis. They're just letting the team officials know that they think the player has a concussion so they can get further treatment.

The whole "tough it out", "rub some dirt on it" mentality is what causes these types of players to have a lot of psychological and physiological problems down the road. This is a game that players play for just a few years out of a lifetime. If there's a chance that it can affect their lives down the road, it's the responsibility of a teammate/friend to stick up for them, especially with a concussion that can decrease one's judgment of their own health.

[CaliforniaSkin]

I agree with Sellers.

If you're teammate is going to tough it out, then you don't sell him out. Let your teammate make decisions about his health.

It's not a question of "toughing it out." Concussions not only can be extremely dangerous but have obvious affects on your ability to make decisions. Saying that it's the concussed player's decision to make is kinda like saying it's the drunk guy's decision whether he should drive or not (and yes, concussions have at least as much of an impact on mental facilities as a few beers).

[General NSJ]

Hey Mike, less talky and more blocky.

[addicted]

I don't believe players lose game checks for injuries, only suspensions

I stand corrected.

However not trying to argue details here but don't most players also have stipulations within the contract that rewards for certain triggers being met? For example a guy like Portis has a contract written that says for the year his base salary is 1 million but he has escalators that could make that years contract worth 5 million if he does things like make the pro bowl, rushes for 1000 yards, etc. These escalators can not be met if the man's on the sidelines because another team mate rats him out to team Doctors which is why I think the chances of someone feeling as if they were "snitched" on comes into context and invites negative team effects to the locker room.

[Koolblue13]

I agree with Sellers.

If you're teammate is going to tough it out, then you don't sell him out. Let your teammate make decisions about his health.

I'm a bartender and I have swine flu. I'm going to work later, so don't tell my boss I'm sick, okay?

[Bostic Hog]

And Sellers is probably the guy who will sue the NFL after he's retired because of his concussions that went untreated.

He needs to STFU.

[jnhay]

I hope that either Sellers had a concussion when he made that statement or he was telling a joke that nobody got.


I'm really surprised by the reaction to this.

Would you want the team to implode because you had players running to Doctors so they can get playing time?

Imagine M. Kelly going to the Dr's and saying Moss has a concussion? What would Moss think?

Imagine Betts doing that to Portis?

Imagine Davis doing that to Cooley?

Guys your being to naive here. Diagnosing a concussion is not an exact science. The recovery time for a concussion also varies between person to person. And players are not qualified to say who's got a concussion and who doesn't. NFL players are not Doctors. I really don't see why any one would want NFL players running around back stabbing each other like this? I see nothing good coming from this
Are you serious? It's not like coach Zorn is going to automatically say "Okay Moss you can't play because Malcolm is suspicious!" The player would obviously be diagnosed by a doctor.

[LaRonDontLikeUgly]

Snitches get stitches, dog. I agree with Sellers.


I'm a bartender and I have swine flu. I'm going to work later, so don't tell my boss I'm sick, okay?

This is a bad analogy. Concussions are not contagious. Stop snitching
http://a2forest.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/stop-snitching1.jpg!

[LD0506]

There's a few people in this thread that ought to be checked for concussions

[jnhay]

Snitches get stitches, dog. I agree with Sellers.



This is a bad analogy. Concussions are not contagious. Stop snitching
I have no problems saying that the "stop snitching" movement is beyond dumb.

[addicted]

Are you serious? It's not like coach Zorn is going to automatically say "Okay Moss you can't play because Malcolm is suspicious!" The player would obviously be diagnosed by a doctor.

Dead serious

You think concussions are something new to the NFL? Think the older teams with much less protective equipment, much less protective rules for hits in the NFL didn't get concussions? Of course they did. How many guys in the 80's, 70's, and later sat out games because of concussions? Not many. Players played through them all the time.

Today they are being looked at more seriously then ever before. Now the NFL wants to turn teammate against teammate to spot them. Why aren't the Dr's or the coaches spotting these themselves? Ask yourself that.

See the NFL coach is in a rock and a hard spot. The coach has to win games or he is unemployed. The coach want's his best players on the field so he can win more games. Think the coach is going to stop playing a guy who says he can play because of a risk to that players long term health? The NFL isn't checkers, it's a hard hitting potentially deadly game. Everyone who's played the game knows the costs it can take on a body. The last time I remember a team telling a player not to play because of health risks was Ryan Clarke this year when Pitts went to Denver. The last time Clark went to Denver the dude almost died because of sickle cell. But it was a big freaking deal for this role player the week he was going to play there and he eventually did not play because the team allowed him not to. Guess who pays the Dr's? The team. It's not in the teams or coaches best interest to not have the best players on the field during a game.

Who's best interest is it's then to sit a player because of a concussion a week before? The backup players are the only one's who win when a starter goes down. So the NFL is trying to make the backups rat out the starters so the NFL forces themselves to take concussions seriously. NFL players have to trust one another. Inviting snitching into a locker room will tear it apart. Just look at how snitching hurt us in 2006 and how snitching hurt the Cowgirls last year. It's not a good thing and the NFL should know better.

[sjinhan]

Do you blame him? This is a business and players stand to lose a lot of money if they take a game off because of injury. Think again guys, what do you think would happen if Sellers went to the coaches saying he thought Portis had a concussion that cost Portis a game check? It would rip the team apart and destroy the locker room.

Players aren't doctors, they shouldn't be asked to rat out each other like that, they aren't qualified.

Sellers made a poorly worded comment but addicted correct on what Sellers meant...

its not the fellow teammates job to "snitch" that soemone is still hurting or not.. its the team doctors that needs to make that decision...

if Portis wants to tough it out and the doctors clear him then Portis or whoever the play probably has his reasons... It might be an ego thing or more than likely he doesnt want to be labeled as injury-prone. Injury-prone label for a player hurts their market value significantly.

So what Sellers is saying is that dont put him or anyone else in that position where they could say one thing or another that might significantly hurt someone's abililty to earn money down the road... let the team doctors do that since thats what they are paid to do.

[HailGreen28]

Maybe it's the same mentality as wanting to get the job done, right before closing, when you have to stand on a small table or chair to do what you want to, instead of just waiting till the next day to come back out and do it right with a ladder.

I'm sure we all have examples in our personal lives, though as we get older we make the smarter choice (myself included).

One of the best shows on TV is "The Deadliest Catch" on Discovery Channel. I shouldn't have to tell you what it's about, but guys risking their lives for a job isn't exactly new, and those crabbing guys aren't millionaires (well maybe the skippers are...)

Mike's comment is dumb and stupid, but understandable to me. What would be your choice if the job was all you had, and any snitching meant you lost the only high-paying job you could reasonably expect?

[Koolblue13]

Concussions are serious business and should not be over looked.

It's possible that Portis never truly gets over his and could come back to soon and get himself symptoms lasting forever, but would still risk it, because he is a fighter.

[skinsfan4life1980]

FYI. Players on the 53-man roster get paid their salary whether they play or not, even if on IR.

That is not true at all. dont say stuff your not sure about.

[terpskins10]

That is not true at all. dont say stuff your not sure about.

They do get paid their base salary, they just aren't eligible to receive performance bonuses, for obvious reasons.

Can you cite something to the contrary?

[Rypien1191]

Sellers seems to be burning bridges.

[SpringfieldSkins]

I agree with Sellers. He didn't word it as well as another person may have, but he gets the point across.


If you are in the NFL and you love the game, you want to play. You want to play as much as possible, regardless of injury. You will play knowing that you have an injury even though you know that that injury could be aggravated. We have lauded Portis as a gamer many times in the past.

I'm sure that if Portis wants to play, and thinks he wont aggravate his injury, he wouldn't want another player pleading for him not to play because of his health. Same as if Sellers had an injury that he thought he could play through, he wouldn't want another teammate insisting that he doesn't. It's all a part of the team mentality. Those guys on your team are your brothers and you don't rat brothers out. You don't snitch.



I realize that a concussion can be a major injury and can have lasting effects if not treated properly but I think that you guys are too quick to judge Sellers. He is a part of a team and being a part of a team means standing up for your teammates.

[Rypien1191]

Do you blame him? This is a business and players stand to lose a lot of money if they take a game off because of injury. Think again guys, what do you think would happen if Sellers went to the coaches saying he thought Portis had a concussion that cost Portis a game check? It would rip the team apart and destroy the locker room.

Players aren't doctors, they shouldn't be asked to rat out each other like that, they aren't qualified.

:doh:

Players still get paid if theyre injured.

[L30L]

This confirms that Michael Sellers hates one Clinton Portis.

[Mooka]

Hey Mike... how about some tact?

Its ok to think that, but uh, you don't have to announce it. Sounds horrible.

[WSHRedskins3ATLBraves3]

This doesn't make any sense. You notice that a teammate is Ill so you don't speak up for fear of being a snitch. I live in the hood and I wouldn't even do that! Your health comes first. This Is not narcing out a bad guy... It is a friend who doesn't notice he is sick.


Problem is, a concussion is a brain injury that can affect one's judgment.

Plus, players aren't making the diagnosis. They're just letting the team officials know that they think the player has a concussion so they can get further treatment.

The whole "tough it out", "rub some dirt on it" mentality is what causes these types of players to have a lot of psychological and physiological problems down the road. This is a game that players play for just a few years out of a lifetime. If there's a chance that it can affect their lives down the road, it's the responsibility of a teammate/friend to stick up for them, especially with a concussion that can decrease one's judgment of their own health.


It's not a question of "toughing it out." Concussions not only can be extremely dangerous but have obvious affects on your ability to make decisions. Saying that it's the concussed player's decision to make is kinda like saying it's the drunk guy's decision whether he should drive or not (and yes, concussions have at least as much of an impact on mental facilities as a few beers).

It's not anyone else's responsibility to decide whether I'm healthy enough to play in a game than a doctor. I'm not sure how many players on the roster have a medical degree.


I'm a bartender and I have swine flu. I'm going to work later, so don't tell my boss I'm sick, okay?

That's a terrible analogy. Playing with concussion-like symptoms only puts one person at risk.

[Chicken Fried]

Do you blame him? This is a business and players stand to lose a lot of money if they take a game off because of injury. Think again guys, what do you think would happen if Sellers went to the coaches saying he thought Portis had a concussion that cost Portis a game check? It would rip the team apart and destroy the locker room.

Players aren't doctors, they shouldn't be asked to rat out each other like that, they aren't qualified.Oh no! Portis might lose several thousand dollars while he only has $50 million to live on! How can he manage?

As for tearing the team apart, how do you like the idea of Portis playing with a concussion, getting another one that is twice as worse, and thus ending his career on the spot. I'd rather have the locker room fall apart (which wouldn't happen) than have Portis be a vegetable and not be able to be a father to his children. In the end, this is a game. Concussions are real life.

And how do you think the locker room would react to Portis getting hurt again and ending his career? My guess is not well.

[Chicken Fried]

It's not anyone else's responsibility to decide whether I'm healthy enough to play in a game than a doctor. I'm not sure how many players on the roster have a medical degree.It doesn't take a brain surgeon to realize someone may have a concussion when the guy is staring out into space after temporarily losing consciousness on a play. By the way, knowing Reed Doughty, he probably has a medical degree (he actually does have a kenisiology degree).

[WSHRedskins3ATLBraves3]

It doesn't take a brain surgeon to realize someone may have a concussion when the guy is staring out into space after temporarily losing consciousness on a play.

Then it shouldn't be that hard for the doctor to make a diagnosis.

Players don't remove other players from games.

[terpskins10]

It's not anyone else's responsibility to decide whether I'm healthy enough to play in a game than a doctor. I'm not sure how many players on the roster have a medical degree.


Which is why they aren't making the diagnosis. They're just reporting their concern so the player CAN be seen by a doctor.

[mi6]

Sellers ought to keep his mouth shut and do a better job on the field.


Concussions are nothing to sneeze at. It's a serious injury, and when you have "X" amount of them in a short period of time -- it's time to hang up the cleats. The "X" is a variable number that the doctor determines based on the signifance of the injury.

Troy Aikman, Steve Young are two players that were forced to retire due to repeated concussions.

[LaRonDontLikeUgly]

I have no problems saying that the "stop snitching" movement is beyond dumb.

Anytime someone can make money from a 'movement' they created, it's kind of hard to call them dumb.

[mi6]

Sellers ought to keep his mouth shut and do a better job on the field.


Concussions are nothing to sneeze at. It's a serious injury, and when you have "X" amount of them in a short period of time -- it's time to hang up the cleats. The "X" is a variable number that the doctor determines based on the signifance of the injury.

Troy Aikman, Steve Young are two players that were forced to retire due to repeated concussions.

[Xero21]

Sellers response was wrong. This is like reporting a loved ones drug or alcohol problem to family. The motivation is to help, not to snitch.

This right here.

[Monrovia_Redskin]

What the heck is Sellers smoking? Meth? What a JACKBALL. "Snitches"? Really? This is football, not Gangland.

:dallasuck

[polywog999]

What the heck is Sellers smoking? Meth? What a JACKBALL. "Snitches"? Really? This is football, not Gangland.

:dallasuck
I live in the inner city and only kids say that stuff! To everyone else Its kinda dumb sounding.

[mbws]

I'm a bartender and I have swine flu. I'm going to work later, so don't tell my boss I'm sick, okay?



That's OK. Alcohol kills germs.

:)

[jnhay]

Anytime someone can make money from a 'movement' they created, it's kind of hard to call them dumb.

Meh. If he only set out to make money, then it's just wrong. I think people really believe that crap though.

[Koolblue13]

The term "snitch" does more harm than good, in almost every way it can be used.

[SkinnedAussie]

Some 30 odd years ago, I received a vicious (and deliberate) kick to the head whilst playing Aussie Rules. It knocked me out cold and I had to be stretchered from the ground.

All through the following week, I was light headed and just couldn't concentrate, but back in those days, nobody said anything. I was determined to play the next week, which I did, and copped another, although minor, knock to the head.

I missed the next four games due to severe headaches, and even now, I suffer from severe migraines and the occasional loss of short term memory.

If this is what players want, then so be it, but as long as they are comfortable with the knowledge that they could have helped prevent long term effects from a serious injury.

Concussions are not to be ignored, no matter how good a player is. I know of someone who, due to concussions received years ago, now suffers from seizures. He is not allowed to drive and cannot be left on his own at any time as his seizures come on without any warning.

[artmonkforHOF]

Sellars needs an attitude adjustment. He should go talk to some retired players who played with head injuries, in their 60's,50's, 40's and even late 30's and ask them how they feel now. Problem is, old linemen aren't expected to live past 54, so not to many left in their 60's or 50's, the guys in their 40's are either addicted to drugs, alcohol, or any other vice; or suffer brain damage the equal to that of a 85 year old with demensia, and the guys in their late 30's are depressed, or have the early signs of Alzhimer's.

Play through the pain of a sprained ankle, or torn muscle, but don't mess around when it comes to head shots, brain or neck injuries is the attitude the NFL players need to take, Mike Sellars included.

[RIPSean]

Sellers is not worried about concussions because he does not have a brain to worry about.

[bikie]

sellers would be dropping dimes the same way he drops passes...

[fullnelson9999]

The simple fact is that it really is the player's decision weither they want to play thru the injury or not (and believe me, if you have ever had a concussion you know that you have had it). Why should a concussion be treated any different than an ankle sprain. Both are relatively minor, and can be recovered from. Players play thru both all the time in games. These worries about concussions causing long term damage are no different than the stories of NFL players that have to use a cane at age 40 because there knees are gone.

I really, really, really, really REALLY hope you're kidding with this post.

Concussions CAN cause serious brain damage if not treated properly. Just ask my friend who thought it would be smart to play a puck up game of football after getting a concussion a week before. Now hes in a wheelchair and is looked after 24/7

I really cant believe you just said that. Do your research.

[Santana_89]

Wow. Sellers is an idiot.


X2:doh:

[SpringfieldSkins]

How many people in the NFL do you think have played through concussions?

How many of those players do you think wanted to play through those concussions?

[wildbill]

Shot at Portis?

[SAli457180]

Sellers is not worried about concussions because he does not have a brain to worry about.

:rotflmao: That was great.

[jnhay]

How many people in the NFL do you think have played through concussions?

How many of those players do you think wanted to play through those concussions?

I'd bet that most players who play through concussions want to do it, but that doesn't make it right. It's like calling the ref at an MMA fight a snitch because he stopped the fight.

[RandyHolt]

pssst. I think dan hit his head.

its easy to see when a guy may have been concussed. we as fans can see it from home. Follow up on those players proactively, dont leave it to other players. They see the same thing as everyone else.

[SpringfieldSkins]

I'd bet that most players who play through concussions want to do it, but that doesn't make it right. It's like calling the ref at an MMA fight a snitch because he stopped the fight.

No it doesn't make it right. You can't discount Sellers statement though (even if not worded like a person with a 3rd grade education). I understand that if I were in Portis' shoes, I would want to get back on the field as soon as possible. I wouldn't want another player on my team "telling" on me because he didn't think I was fit to play.


I think that there have been thousands of NFL players who have played through concussions. Concussions can have very negative implications on players careers, sure. I'm not going to pretend like there haven't been dozens of players playing through this concussions this season though.



And as for your analogy... it isn't the same as a ref calling a fight in MMA. A more closer comparison would be the fighters trainer calling a fight. A ref would be like the trainer "snitching" on a player, because they are the ones there to make sure a fight doesn't go too far.

[ciresolstice]

What I expect from captain caveman.

[MadMonkey]

Sellars needs an attitude adjustment. He should go talk to some retired players who played with head injuries, in their 60's,50's, 40's and even late 30's and ask them how they feel now. Problem is, old linemen aren't expected to live past 54, so not to many left in their 60's or 50's, the guys in their 40's are either addicted to drugs, alcohol, or any other vice; or suffer brain damage the equal to that of a 85 year old with demensia, and the guys in their late 30's are depressed, or have the early signs of Alzhimer's.



Sadly this is what happened to Andre Waters before he killed himself a few years ago, he was only 44yrs old. His autopsy report said he was in early stage Alzheimer's expedited by successive concussions and that if he had lived, within 10 or 15 years Andre Waters would have been fully incapacitated.

Sellers definitely needs an education on concussions.

[polywog999]

Snitches get stitches, dog. I agree with Sellers.

This is a bad analogy. Concussions are not contagious. Stop snitching!


This is for your "Dog."

http://www.scoopypoo.net/

Your kidding, right?

Snitches get stitches? :hysterical::hysterical::hysterical:

Only cops say that nowadays!

[BAFGA]

It's easy to say Sellers is an idiot, but guess what happens to a lower tier guy that cannot play because of concussion symptoms? Somebody else takes his spot and he may end up seeing his ass getting cut.

Not only that, once players have a reputation in regards to concussions teams are going to be weary to sign them.

Is it worth screwing up the rest of your life potentially a la Andre Waters for another few years or so of playing, even if you don't get another concussion?

The risk, both short term and long term, is too high if rushed back too quickly. The studies are there. The evidence is there.

As far as Sellers goes: I didn't realize that the streets of suburban Olympia and Walla Walla were so bad that he would have to worry about snitching! :D

[Bang]

:hysterical: at the responses.
Guess what Nancy.. the game has been like that forever.
Football is a brutal game played by brutal people.
It always has been, and the day they finally make it so it's NOT, the game will lose a lot of what we love about it.

Can't go expecting anything else.

~Bang

[Bostic Hog]

You know, whatever happened to being teammates, friends, do anything for each other? There used to be a time when NFL teammates really cared for each other, now it's "snitching" if you try to help your buddy out??? WTF?

[polywog999]

:hysterical: at the responses.
Guess what Nancy.. the game has been like that forever.
Football is a brutal game played by brutal people.
It always has been, and the day they finally make it so it's NOT, the game will lose a lot of what we love about it.

Can't go expecting anything else.

~Bang
Sorry, Bang! Serious injury and dementia are not what I like about the game.

During "the good old days" men were killed because we did not have rules in place to protect them (forward pass etc..)

I guess a blood thirsty fan who lives in the wild, two-fisted town of 'Solomons "please don't shoot" Island', would not care about that, though.

[#98QBKiller]

I can see what Sellers is saying.

IMO, it's the responsibility of the individual player. If you get a concussion and you have headaches/blurry vision/etc. It's up to you to tell the medical staff what's wrong.

It's not up to anyone else, you owe it to your team and you owe it to yourself, unless you want to risk spending retirement like Muhammad Ali.

These guys are grown men, they don't need their teammates to go tell on them when they don't feel good.

[Bang]

Sorry, Bang! Serious injury and dementia are not what I like about the game.

During "the good old days" men were killed because we did not have rules in place to protect them (forward pass etc..)

I guess a blood thirsty fan who lives in the wild, two-fisted town of 'Solomons "please don't shoot" Island', would not care about that, though.

Oh, such an slap in my face.
:hysterical:

Point is it's ALWAYS been like this and it always WILL be like this.

So, perhaps that should be understood going into reading an article like this, and stop whining over it. You either like football or you don't, and if you like it, there are certain nasty things about it that you must accept.
People get hurt in football. People PLAY hurt in football, and people don't TELL others they are hurt so they can PLAY FOOTBALL. (A lot is at stake.. just for example,, Iin Seattle last week Julius Jones was knocked out due to a chest contusion... it could have stopped his heart, in truth, but it didn't.. as a result Justin Forsett got to play, and had a great game. How much does Julius Jones wish that he could have hidden his injury? He's going to lose his job to this kid, and the odds are come February he's going to be looking for work because that Forsett kid stepped in when he got hurt. That is the ugly reality THEY deal with, and because of it, they put up the brave fronts Sellers is referring to. For the majority of them, football is all they know, and have known since they were kids. MIllions of dollars are at stake if you miss some games. Portis is hurt and should sit, but if Betts has another good game, Portis steps one foot closer to unemployment. And don't ever think that the owners have any of their best interests at heart. In any other job in the world, an employer cannot just break contracts the way they do in the NFL. They have NO job security what-so-ever.)
They always have, they always will, and no amount of flowering it up and moaning about how barbaric it is will change it.

It's not about what I like or don't like down here in my 'two fisted town" (:hysterical: seriously,, what the F is THAT?), and it's not about my being 'bloodthirsty' (quite a stretch of the imagination) it's about knowing what football IS and how it's PLAYED and how the men who play it THINK.
Every single thing about football is BRUTAL. Get used to it.
I don't like broken legs, but hey, tackles can cause them.

Players of this game make conscious decisions to risk life and limb to reach the levels they have. They are well aware of all the damage they do to their bodies. You mention the "good old days" and I'm assuming you're including 2001, when Drew Bledsoe got his sternum ruptured in a vicious (and legal) hit. (Doctors remarked that they were shocked by the severity of the injury, that they've seen similar in people who are in car accidents.) Or in 2006 when Chris Simms had to be taken directly from the field to an operating room to have his spleen removed because of a vicious (and legal) hit. Or Chris Samuels who is forced probably to retire or face paralysis.. or Michael Irvin, or Sterling Sharpe.. or the multitude of others who face similar decisions based on clean and legal play that left them mangled and maimed.)

My point is, if I was going to be so squeamish about the results of their decision to play the game, a game that we enjoy in large part for the physical nature of it, I'd probably want to go find a safer sport to follow.

This sort of attitude is the reality of NFL football. Accept it. You can't change it. If we're so worried about what happens to players after they play, then we prove ourselves tremendous hypocrites. ALL of them take damage away from the game. Some cripple themselves. Others beat their brains into mush. The majority of them lead much shorter lives than the rest of us. By and large they die in their 60s, and it is in large part due to the many MANY hits and impacts they absorb in their careers.

A study done back in the 90s by BMW determined that an NFL football player absorbs the same concussive force of 3 head on car crashes at 40 MPH during a typical football game.
Every week. Without fail.
It's a violent sport. It causes serious injuries. Players play hurt.

It's just the way it is. You may as well cry that the lion ate the impala. It's brutal, but it is the way it is, and it always has been.

~Bang

[polywog999]

Bang, your post is longer than mine. You win. :(

... plus you called me Nancy...
extra points. :cry:

By the way, how has the rockfishing been? :D

[Bang]

Bang, your post is longer than mine. You win. :(

... plus you called me Nancy...
extra points. :cry:

By the way, how has the rockfishing been? :D

Well, Polywog, I didn't specifically call YOU Nancy.. I used the term broadly (and for some fun.)

I do tend to write a lot when i get going, but I don't rockfish, so I wouldn't know. I had some though that a friend caught, and it was excellent.

Enjoy the game today! HTTR!

~Bang

[Davethegolfguy]

Too many concussions for Sellars must be the problem.

[polywog999]

Well, Polywog, I didn't specifically call YOU Nancy.. I used the term broadly (and for some fun.)

I do tend to write a lot when i get going, but I don't rockfish, so I wouldn't know. I had some though that a friend caught, and it was excellent.

Enjoy the game today! HTTR!

~Bang
Dude I love your cartoons!

I was only joshin' about Solomons. I love the place. Been going down there since 1975.

We are going to kill the Crygirls! Hail!

[Bang]

Dude I love your cartoons!

I was only joshin' about Solomons. I love the place. Been going down there since 1975.

We are going to kill the Crygirls! Hail!
HAIL!
I figured you were joshin'.. I thought it was pretty funny actually,, Solomons a two fisted town! HA!
Hold My antiques, Martha, it's a throw down!

~Bang! Pow!

[polywog999]

HAIL!
I figured you were joshin'.. I thought it was pretty funny actually,, Solomons a two fisted town! HA!
Hold My antiques, Martha, it's a throw down!

~Bang! Pow!
Cartoon time! I get honorable mention in the credits! LOL!

[jnhay]

(A lot is at stake.. just for example,, Iin Seattle last week Julius Jones was knocked out due to a chest contusion... it could have stopped his heart, in truth, but it didn't.. as a result Justin Forsett got to play, and had a great game. How much does Julius Jones wish that he could have hidden his injury? He's going to lose his job to this kid, and the odds are come February he's going to be looking for work because that Forsett kid stepped in when he got hurt. That is the ugly reality THEY deal with, and because of it, they put up the brave fronts Sellers is referring to. For the majority of them, football is all they know, and have known since they were kids. MIllions of dollars are at stake if you miss some games. Portis is hurt and should sit, but if Betts has another good game, Portis steps one foot closer to unemployment. And don't ever think that the owners have any of their best interests at heart. In any other job in the world, an employer cannot just break contracts the way they do in the NFL. They have NO job security what-so-ever.)



Impressive use of parenthesis. :notworthy

[boofMcboof]

What ever happened to people talking to each other directly? The way I was brought up, you don't go behind someone's back to an authority figure that might take their livelihood away or affect their job status. Especially when it comes down to concussions where there's a lot of grey area. The point is you don't know how someone else is doing exactly so you talk directly to that person to address those concerns. You don't bypass him and talk straight to the doctor. That's just common decency.

[SpringfieldSkins]

You know, whatever happened to being teammates, friends, do anything for each other? There used to be a time when NFL teammates really cared for each other, now it's "snitching" if you try to help your buddy out??? WTF?

I think the point of this is that helping your buddy out means not telling the coach or trainer about the concussion effects you think he has. If you really cared for them, you'd let them play if they really wanted to.



And Bang... you are absolutely correct.

[visionary]

I think the point of this is that helping your buddy out means not telling the coach or trainer about the concussion effects you think he has. If you really cared for them, you'd let them play if they really wanted to.



And Bang... you are absolutely correct.

And if they really wanted to risk overdosing on drugs it would be cool too?
Helping your buddy out means telling them when they are making a big mistake, and if need be stepping in to save them even when they may not want your help.

[VTmike]

It really doesn't surprise me. First he complains about his contract and now he's coming out with dumber and dumber comments.

[ciresolstice]

Being a real teammate/friend is caring about someones well being above "snitching" or their desire to kill themselves. Tough decision but I'd personally feel better about them being mad or being called a snitch than to watch a teammate/friend potentially kill themselves with something as serious as a concussion. Some other injury that is their business and up to them, or the doctors/trainers but a head/brain injury? and I notice he's woozy or complaining about blurred vision or headaches and I say nothing? Same with a drug problem, they might hate me for it but I'd rather attempt to save their lives than sit back and act like I don't see anything..I don't need friends like that. Football can still be plenty brutal and a man game, and still care about a teammates brain.