Westbrook's Second Concussion Is a Symptom of a Larger Problem

Brian Westbrook's second concussion, which occurred last Sunday against San Diego, has prompted him to consider whether he should play again this season and even if he should retire. This has once again cast a spotlight on the discussion about football head and brain injuries, following attention brought by the recent House Judiciary Committee hearings on football brain injuries and Malcolm Gladwell's New Yorker story that comprehensively explains the physical and psychological damage done by repeated head trauma. Obviously, retiring is his decision to make, and even though I really like Westbrook, I wouldn't be disappointed if he chose to walk away from football for good. I think it's great that he is seriously thinking about his long-term mental health. The Eagles organization, and fans in particular, are far too familiar with the potential results of repeated brain trauma. (Former Eagles defensive back Andre Waters committed suicide in 2006. Studies revealed his depression was likely caused by numerous concussions and brain injuries.) What is disappointing is that any NFL player reaches a point where retirement is the only way to avoid permanent brain damage.

Frankly, I'm surprised Westbrook played running back in the NFL for seven years before suffering his first concussion. It occurred on October 26 against the Redskins on a play when London Fletcher's knee hit him in the back of the head, knocking him unconscious. His second concussion happened on what was reportedly a routine screen play without a particularly hard hit, only three weeks later. Though I won't say he should retire, I will say he shouldn't have been playing in that game against Washington, and he should probably not play for the rest of the season. Concussions linger, and once a person has one, it is much easier to have another and create permanent brain damage, especially if he doesn't allow enough time for it to completely heal. Westbrook met with concussion specialists yesterday, who said they expect him to fully recover and that he'll be retested in a few weeks. Hopefully that means, at the very least, that he won't be playing until then. (Reports are that he will not be playing this Sunday against the Bears.)

Toughness is a requirement in football. Players know that. Everyone knows that. Players are expected to play through pain, whether it's a hurt ankle, arm, or, apparently, brain. I highly recommend this AP story that examines the motivation for players to hide concussions. That shouldn't be the case. In no way do I expect football to be 100% safe; it's simply not possible, but something should be done about changing the NFL culture surrounding brain injuries. Players shouldn't have to worry about coming back early from an injured brain, considering the increased risk of another injury or amplifying the current one. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like the NFL wants to help much. Dr. Ira Casson, co-chair of the NFL committee on concussions whose research attempted to discredit non-NFL conducted research, was not present at the October 28 House Judiciary Committee hearings on football brain injuries, despite numerous attempts to reach him. Commissioner Goodell could not explain Casson's absence at the hearing.

This mentality trickles down to the college ranks as well. On November 7, Jahvid Best suffered a severe concussion against Oregon State on a play in which he was flipped in the air, landing on his head and back. The play was so incredible that hearing he had a concussion was actually a relief. (Honestly, once the report came in that Best could move all his limbs, a concussion seemed like the best possible outcome.) Like Westbrook, Best shouldn't even have been in the game because his concussion was probably amplified by the one he suffered a week earlier against Arizona State. For quotes from his recent news conference, check out this link from Cal's athletics website. Earlier this season, Tim Tebow was allowed (and encouraged) to play for Florida two weeks after a concussion, placing the importance of Florida's #1 ranking over the health of their "football messiah."

It's unfortunate that Westbrook's concussions might end his career. It is even more unfortunate that he was even in the position to suffer that second concussion. Far too many careers have ended because of numerous concussions, yet players consistently return to the field before allowing their brains to completely heal because they feel they have to play in order to support their team or even keep their jobs.

*Photo courtesy of moneyjk89man's Flickr stream via Creative Commons License