New brain scan can detect CTE while players are alive

**soulman** · 01-25-2013, 01:03 AM

Originally Posted by Jimmors

I think mandatory testing is a bit extreme, and undoubtedly will be fought against tooth and nail by the NFLPA (remember that if someone tests positive for Tau Proteins, it could lead to reduced playing time or even losing their JOB)

Ultimately, i believe it will be used whenever a player suffers concussions an is out for more then a game. It could also help clear them faster to return to play if nothing is found. An it probably will be used when a player retires, as well as voluntary by players if they simply want to know.

More importantly, i think it can be used to develop safer equipment and refine the rules in the NFL.

You're right and these are the negatives and the positives of it.

I'm sure the NFLPA will fight like seven devils to prevent and screening to have an effect on a players decision to continue his career. I don't think that labor laws would permit the NFL to restrict those showing signs of it anyway but it's sure to be a topic for discussion if an effective method for doing periodic screenings is developed.

I would hope that the outcome is just what you've posted in that last sentence. It's a violent sport and it's tough to make it less so without making the game into flag football but just because it's violent doesn't mean it can't be made safer.

Good thread topic Jimmors!

**Shark86x** · 01-25-2013, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by soulman

I think it's a great find but I wonder how it might be used if they perfect it. Will NFL insist on at least annual tests for each player? If they show signs of CTE will they be terminated from the NFL or will that choice be up to the player?

I'm not in anyway shooting this down but it does open up a potential can of worms both for the NFL and the NFLPA and for the players themselves.

I wonder if it can measure the number of functioning brain cells in J'Marcus Webb's brain that aren't thinking about food or how to pedal more J'Webb Nation Tee Shirts?

Can it measure all the way up to ... none?

This reminds me of a scene from the Honeymooners:

Ralph: You think that, Alice? You think I should have my head examined now? I'll have my head examined, Alice, if you want! Anywhere in the United States I'll have it examined! I'll go to Vienna and have it examined for you! Vienna! Any doctor, any place, any hospital! They can bring doctors from the moon down here to examine my head! And they'll find nothing in there, Alice!

In all seriousness, though, this has huge potential if it can be developed. But that is decades away. Populations have to be identified and studied over time to see if and how it works. And like you mention, soul, new technology uncovers all kinds of questions in how it should be implemented.

**jackiejokeman** · 01-26-2013, 02:28 AM

OK this is going out thers aways ... but do you remember BUZZ LIGHTYEAR from Toy Story ?

What kind of helmet was he wearing and how could you ever hit his head ?

Well ... you couldnt.

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