Maurice Jones-Drew Calls Concussions Occupational Hazards, Would Risk them for His Family
The NFL’s thoughts on concussions has evolved. While concussions were largely ignored throughout football history, they have been treated more seriously lately. Congress got the League’s attention by speaking with Roger Goodell. Media pressure, medical studies, and lawsuits from former players has helped convey their severity. Many people realize how awful concussions can be, but Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew still doesn’t seem to see it.
“The only reason they’re making a big deal about concussions right now is because the league is getting sued over it,” Jones-Drew told reporters, according to The Florida Times-Union. “Before this, you never heard about it. A couple of years ago, you didn’t hear anything about it. Let’s not make something out of nothing. Yeah, people are getting messed up. That happens. Most of the time it’s because they’re not wearing mouth pieces and they’re probably doing some other stuff. Obviously, back in the day they were doing some things that weren’t going to help your body out. It’s 2012; there’s ways to fix your body. Sometimes that means you have to pay the price.”
“I would do anything for my kids,” Jones-Drew said, when asked if concussions would be worthwhile even if he wouldn’t recognize his children years from now. “If they’re happy, I’m happy. I think they would appreciate it. As long as my kids’ kids would be happy with what I did, that’s what this life is about: sacrifice. It’s not about you anymore, you know? I knew coming into this game. I’ve had concussions before and it wasn’t this big deal about concussion.”
You don’t walk into football thinking you’re not going to get hurt — that’s part of the game, and almost everyone recognizes that. But I can’t believe the way MJD is brushing off concussions. I understand making sacrifices for your family, but don’t you think most children would rather have a healthy father than a lot of money? I would hope so. And it’s pretty ignorant for Mo to think that “there’s ways to fix your body” applies to brain injuries. I’m glad he has so much confidence in modern medicine, but that’s simply not the case.
Maybe Maurice has this mentality because he can’t play successfully if he’s worried about getting hurt. But he is wrog about concussions.