For decades men have been putting on pads, jerseys and helmets for an excuse to cause harm to others, we like to call it 'football'. It's long been discussed that NFL players are being damaged internally as a result of the rough play they experience in every game. But until now the strategy from the National Football League has been to deny any and all allegations.
In the New York Times, writer Ken Belson talks about the officials admitting that C.T.E has been linked to playing in the NFL. Belson talks about the lawsuit that included thousands of players old and young who now suffer from C.T.E.
The degenerative brain disease is increasingly common among retired Football players but the NFL has always claimed that there is no link between the two. Finally they've conceded.
Belson talks about the past denial of the link by Commissioner Roger Goodell but doesn't stress on the fact that those claims were most likely bold faced lies. He doesn't stay on the topic too long, or comment on how the NFL was simply trying to deny the danger that players face every game. Instead he focuses on the showing the facts of the case and doesn't give the Commissioner the berating he deserves--showing great restraint and dignity, much like a great journalist.
Although there isn't much more to the story, some writers would add their own thoughts on the NFL or C.T.E, something Belson avoids. He ends the story right where it needs to be, using great brevity and clarity. Since the topic has been discussed for many years, it would be easy to want to attack those who denied it early and again Belson shows great restraint.
I chose this article because many times when I read sport pieces, they become a rant from the author about the sport or the players. Belson doesn't do that. I think he is a good example of how sport writers should address subjects, by only supplying the facts and not his opinion.
The article can be found here:
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