Tuesday, February 3, 2015

"Sacking the Super Bowl"

In "Sacking the Super Bowl" by Steve Almond, we as the reader are exposed to an alternate way of thinking about what is today, America's greatest sporting even, the Super Bowl. Almond does so by linking many of the leagues problems with some of his own family tragedies. It is well known that in football, not simply the NFL, concussions are a severe problem. The multitude of concussions, or even sub-concussive hits can add up and lad to severe brain trauma. This can be linked back to Steve's mother who was diagnosed with dementia, which is a common disorder in ex- football players. Prior to this tragic event, Almond makes it blatantly clear that he no longer supports the NFL, and will be going "cold turkey" on what has arguably become America's past time. As a reader of this article, and an avid fan of the NFL, I for the most part disagree with his stance on the issue. When it comes to amateur football, I completely understand the harm that such a sport can pose. However, when it comes to the NFL my stance on the argument is the contrary. These professional football players are in many cases making millions of dollars to play a sport they love. Instead of working in an office, or as a teacher, a firefighter, etc., these men are getting paid millions to play a game in which others would kill for an opportunity at. When these players accept the money, they understand the risks that follow. For example, injuries to any part of the body, including brain trauma. Anyway, this is my stance on this on-going argument as a both a fan of the NFL, and the sport in general.

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