I was both saddened and encouraged after reading the story in today’s Cleveland Plain Dealer Sports page about former Mentor High School football star Conner Krizancic’s decision to give up playing college ball due to the effects of concussions.
I am sad, of course, to learn of a brilliant, young athlete having his promising career cut short. However, I am very encouraged to see that athletes, their families, and athletic staffs are taking their collective heads out of the sand, so to speak.
For years, I have been championing the awareness campaign for football-related concussions.
At that time I said we are only aware of the tip of the iceberg. Since that time a plethora of information has emerged. It is my considered estimate that only 15-20% of the iceberg is evident.
It took intelligence, courage on the part of Conner to see the big picture and forego the glamour and status of a premier collegiate quarterback. I hope that others can be influenced by his sterling example of self-reflection to come to grips with the daunting reality of the debilitating, permanent consequence of the blood sport of football.
Earlier this week I posted and blogged about Ohio State football player Kosta Karageorge whose life was tragically cut short when, after an estimated 15 concussions, he committed suicide.
We have seen all-pro NFL players in the middle of a lucrative long-term contract walk away from the game due to concussion concerns. We have seen college gridiron greats either commit suicide or turn their backs on the sport because of the nightmare effects closed head injuries have.
I predict that we will see high school and peewee footballers hang their laces up when they “get their bell rung”.
Over the last three decades I have represented children who were victims of accidents. And, as you know, when a youngster is under 18 years of age, I must get probate court approval.
Having appeared in countless hearings before probate judges and magistrates to have the settlement approved, one thing is abundantly clear, the court only cares about the best interest of the child.
The same philosophy should carry over in a ply to any young man under the age of 18 who is contemplating playing contact football.
As many probate judges have said over the years to me:
“We have to protect the young man against himself”.
As your Ohio catastrophic injury attorney, I will be there for you and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over four decades, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities.” You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.
