Time was, a hit that knocked a football player out would get rave reviews and few cared whether it was legal or not. Players who stayed in the game when they couldn’t even tell you their names were hailed as warriors.
Yet as more is learned about the long-term damage of head trauma and the NFL puts increased emphasis on preventing concussions, broadcasters have to walk a fine line between savoring good, tough play and glorifying hits that can cause serious harm.
Chris Nowinski, a former pro wrestling star and football player at Harvard who is now president of the Sports Legacy Institute, which promotes the study, treatment and prevention of brain trauma in athletes, says it’s important for broadcasters to make sure they’re not promoting illegal or dangerous play.
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