CWCWCW
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2008
- Messages
- 1,566
- Reaction score
- 123
- Points
- 63
I just watched an ESPN 60 feature where Bob Costas was featured. It was an interesting story about his ouster from NBC which he states was from him offering negative commentary on concussion protocol in the NFL.
We have seen concussions have a huge impact on our Gopher football team. Jimmy Gjere, Josh Campion and others were studs. Their football careers were snuffed out primarily due to concussions. Player body types have dramatically changed in the 20+ years of season tickets that I've had. I couldn't imagine a player built like Daniel F. 6'9" and 400 pounds would have seemed like comic book material.
I recently saw a Real Sports episode stating the participation in football is considerably down in youth programs. Their deductions was that parents just don't want to risk kids health.
I've complained about the inconsistency of targeting calls and cheered loudly when Blake Cashman planted the Wisconsin punt returner. I am hopeful with enough emphasis on equipment and rule changes, there can be less health concerns. But, these dudes are big, athletic and powerful.
My second concern is around the dollar bill. Of course, financially speaking, Minnesota is fortunate to have the Big 10 television contract. It allows our Gophers to have state of the art stadiums, equipment, training rooms, academic advisement, and even coaches.
Even with all of the money coming in, our Gophers still have trouble keeping up with the Joneses. What happens if the NCAA allows payments to players? Someone has to pay for that? Could it be ticket holders? We're close to a breaking point right now as fans have gone away in droves due to the current price structure. If another "donation" was added to cost, the stadium would be more full for Lance Armstrong motivational speech.
I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, so talk me off the ledge. In the short term, I'm hopeful P.J. can compete for a Big 10 West title. Will that be enough to help with the general long term health of Gopher football?
Please add your concerns and things that are being introduced to have positve effects on our Gophers.
We have seen concussions have a huge impact on our Gopher football team. Jimmy Gjere, Josh Campion and others were studs. Their football careers were snuffed out primarily due to concussions. Player body types have dramatically changed in the 20+ years of season tickets that I've had. I couldn't imagine a player built like Daniel F. 6'9" and 400 pounds would have seemed like comic book material.
I recently saw a Real Sports episode stating the participation in football is considerably down in youth programs. Their deductions was that parents just don't want to risk kids health.
I've complained about the inconsistency of targeting calls and cheered loudly when Blake Cashman planted the Wisconsin punt returner. I am hopeful with enough emphasis on equipment and rule changes, there can be less health concerns. But, these dudes are big, athletic and powerful.
My second concern is around the dollar bill. Of course, financially speaking, Minnesota is fortunate to have the Big 10 television contract. It allows our Gophers to have state of the art stadiums, equipment, training rooms, academic advisement, and even coaches.
Even with all of the money coming in, our Gophers still have trouble keeping up with the Joneses. What happens if the NCAA allows payments to players? Someone has to pay for that? Could it be ticket holders? We're close to a breaking point right now as fans have gone away in droves due to the current price structure. If another "donation" was added to cost, the stadium would be more full for Lance Armstrong motivational speech.
I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, so talk me off the ledge. In the short term, I'm hopeful P.J. can compete for a Big 10 West title. Will that be enough to help with the general long term health of Gopher football?
Please add your concerns and things that are being introduced to have positve effects on our Gophers.