Term Paper (continued)

Write a 3-5 page essay (3 pages minimum) in which you synthesis and reflect on what you have learned in your field and through the thesis process thus far.


What I've produced today:

A large portion of my research has been focused primarily on the regulations of the game of football. Out of the three subtopics that I am exploring, rules and regulations of the game tends to be the most controversial and heated topic, which makes sense. Nowadays, a major hit near the head and neck area (emphasis on the word near) delivered by a defending player usually ends up in a 15 yard penalty for what is stated by officials as a “helmet to helmet hit”. However, it has been seen a plethora of times (specifically Rodney McLeod’s hit on Emmanuel Sanders and Brandon Browner’s hit on LaDarius Green) that the flag is thrown more as a cover up to satisfy the concussion activists. In both of those specific instances stated above, a flag was thrown when, according to the NFL’s rulebook, both tackles were legal because the defenders led with their shoulders and not with their helmets. Here is where everything gets complicated. In both instances, both Sanders and Green sustained a concussion. In both instances, the hits were unnecessary. However, both hits were indeed legal, and, in Browner’s case, the hit produced what could have been an interception returned for a touchdown. So the question arises: should some aspects of the game of football be sacrificed in order to prolong the health of the players? And to be honest, this is a question I myself cannot give a definite answer. When I saw the Browner hit live, I actually believed that Browner made a conscientious effort to avoid a helmet to helmet collision. While in mid-air, Browner shifted his head out of the way and led with a strong shoulder to the chest of Green. This impact force caused Green to fumble the ball, which was intercepted and returned for a Patriots touchdown, a crucial point in the game. However, the touchdown was overturned because of the penalty on Browner. Rarely do I ever say this, but I actually yelled at my TV: “Let them play.” I have been so adamant about using rugby tackling as a guide for tackling properly in the NFL. However, the inherent differences in the way the games are played is what leads to the difficulty in implementing these rules. No matter what, there needs to be a balance between playing the game of football aggressively and protecting the health of the athletes – a sentiment easier said than done.