R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

[12]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

My post was an example of making a post when you're a bit too heated, which I was. Should have waited.

With that said, I will still discourage my sons from playing football. I don't think that I could keep them from playing if that was what they really wanted to do. I just hope the education increases and measures are continually taken to protect the players. A lot of people (in the past, myself included) said how it wasn't football anymore because of all the precautions they're taking, but I've changed my stance a lot. If a violent game can become less violent which in turn limits the damage done to players... Well, I just can't find the logic in not being on board with that anymore.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

I can. As mentioned, it's a dangerous game. It's not about the entertainment aspect for us. It's just that football is inherently a risky game. If you decide play, you're signing off on the risks. No need to legislate by changing fundamental aspects of the game (like the stupid "no kickoffs" thing that's been floated around) after incidents like this happen.

I read something and I thought it was a good idea. They have a rookie symposium to get young idiots accustomed to NFL life, well, they should also have a retired player symposium to transition people out of this life and learn how to live without the game.

[JBH3]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

Great story from a Marine that met Seau in a bar last year.

http://deadspin.com/5907297/the-night-junior-seau-picked-up-a-marine-captains-tab-and-serenaded-bar-patrons-with-a-ukulele

This article was great! A great tribute! Man...choked up some because its just so sad that someone this genuine and thoughtful would feel his only way out is suicide.

[12]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

I can. As mentioned, it's a dangerous game. It's not about the entertainment aspect for us. It's just that football is inherently a risky game. If you decide play, you're signing off on the risks. No need to legislate by changing fundamental aspects of the game (like the stupid "no kickoffs" thing that's been floated around) after incidents like this happen.

I read something and I thought it was a good idea. They have a rookie symposium to get young idiots accustomed to NFL life, well, they should also have a retired player symposium to transition people out of this life and learn how to live without the game.

Fundamental aspects have been changed for 50 years and the NFL is still the most popular sport in the United States. I work in a prison and that is an inherently risky job as well, but I know the risks. That doesn't mean that I don't want the decision makers to take steps to reduce the risks of me getting hurt or killed on the job. This whole tough guy, "You know the risks" thing is not cutting it for me anymore but that's just my own personal opinion. Everything evolves and the #1 priority should be to take measures to reduce the likelihood of high school kids getting killed on the field or suffering concussions.

I agree to a point that the risks are known and no one is forcing these players to play, just as I am not forced to supervise inmates five days per week. Personal responsibility does come into play, but that doesn't mean that we can't look for ways to reduce serious injuries. The game was different ('tougher') when my dad was my age and he lets me know about it, just as I'll be telling my sons how much together football was in 2012 compared to 2035.

But my guess is people will still love it.

We won't agree and I respect your opinion, we just see this one differently.

[SidVish]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

Seau's brain is going to be donated for research. I think we all have a good idea of what it's going to show.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FBN_SEAU_DEATH?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-05-04-12-16-58

[C the Lyte]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

Seau's brain is going to be donated for research. I think we all have a good idea of what it's going to show.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories...05-04-12-16-58

Even if (probably will) the results comeback as most suspect it will, that doesn't say anything about the steps to reduce concussions that the NFL has taken today and beyond. I think we are all forgetting that this problem is in its infancy in that we are just now understanding the lasting effects and are starting to take steps toward reducing concussions.

[edaddy]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

I couldn't find your original thread, so I'll just post it here...

While I respect your opinion, and of course it's any parent's right to tell their kids what they do and don't want them to do, I'd still let my son play if he really felt strongly about playing. However, I would let him know about the health risks involved long term with it and the possibility of serious injury involved. I know we're getting more into a parenting issue here than football, so I'll just leave it at that.

I went through this with my oldest son whom I did not allow to play contact football until he was in the 9th grade at that point it was up to him to make his own decision and stick with it. I played contact football from 8 yrs old thru college and while I got a free education out of it the toll it has taken on my body is ridiculous. Herniated discs in my neck an lower back as well as the premature athritis and aches that my joints are feeling now(anyone who has played the game for an advanced period of time can attest to this) ..The game has changed as far as tackling techniques, and the overall size speed and athleticism of todays athlete and I can only see severe and serious injuries taking place more frequently in the future..I have a younger son now whom I am trying to steer towards baseball, basketball, and soccer..He can make his own decision as well in the 9th grade but I will not add any extra trauma to his body or head injury before he is ready..I do know that the concussion syndrome is real and it does take a toll on your mental state down the road..Several friends who I played with have these bouts of depression, suicidal thoughts, and memory loss that can be attributed to the head injuries they recieved..it's an inherintly risky game but now it's just flat out dangerous..

[bkrich83]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

I went through this with my oldest son whom I did not allow to play contact football until he was in the 9th grade at that point it was up to him to make his own decision and stick with it. I played contact football from 8 yrs old thru college and while I got a free education out of it the toll it has taken on my body is ridiculous. Herniated discs in my neck an lower back as well as the premature athritis and aches that my joints are feeling now(anyone who has played the game for an advanced period of time can attest to this) ..The game has changed as far as tackling techniques, and the overall size speed and athleticism of todays athlete and I can only see severe and serious injuries taking place more frequently in the future..I have a younger son now whom I am trying to steer towards baseball, basketball, and soccer..He can make his own decision as well in the 9th grade but I will not add any extra trauma to his body or head injury before he is ready..I do know that the concussion syndrome is real and it does take a toll on your mental state down the road..Several friends who I played with have these bouts of depression, suicidal thoughts, and memory loss that can be attributed to the head injuries they recieved..it's an inherintly risky game but now it's just flat out dangerous..

I think this is prudent. My football background is very similiar. Started playing at the Pop Warner level at age 10, all the way through college. I have some nagging health issues, worst of which I believe are from several undiagnosed concussions.

If I had a child who wanted to play football, there's no way I allow him to play contact football until he's in 9th grade. Imo, kids bodies just aren't developed at the younger ages. I have some issue with the quality of coaching and what's being taught at the Pop Warner level, etc. Good decision on your part imo.

I am also with you, steer your kids to baseball or soccer or something else.

[VanCitySportsGuy]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

TMZ has obtained the 911 Call from Seau's GF.

I'm going to warn you, if you listen to it, you're probably going to have trouble sleeping tonight. Absolutely heartbreaking.

And yes, I feel a little bit guilty for even listening to it.

[kingkilla56]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

I'll never understand why they release 911 tapes. It is sick [in almost every instance].

[SPTO]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

I'll never understand why they release 911 tapes. It is sick [in almost every instance].

I think in some cases it's warranted but I won't go into it but yeah 99.9% of the time they shouldn't even bother releasing them.

Thanks for the warning. I won't listen to it though i'm sure clips will be aired somewhere and I'll hear some of it inadvertently.

[DonkeyJote]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

I didn't play until 9th grade personally. I didn't even play in college, but between football and throwing shot put and discus in track (and the football I played with friends after high school), I've got knee, ankle, and shoulder problems. I have back problems too, but those didn't arrive until I was 22, and hadn't played football on a regular basis for about a year. I don't think I'd let my kid play until 9th grade either. There's no real reason too, and I don't think I'd trust the coaching on any level below high school (I played at a junior high in 9th grade, and the coaching, even as far as how to tackle properly was terrible). You can easily develop bad habits at that age, that can lead to more serious injuries when you're older. That's why I also think it's stupid (and unnecessary) to teach kids to throw curveballs, sliders, and splitters before high school.

[LetThatBoyCook]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

On the topic of children playing football, why not have them play flag football while they're young?

RIP Seau

[ODogg]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

Did he leave a suicide note does anyone know?

[C the Lyte]

Re: R.I.P. Junior Seau 1969-2012

As far as I've heard, no. Haven't seen any reports of one. Kind of strange.