Throwaway Players

September 1, 2011
Concussions in the National Football League have become a compelling subject, with more research revealing just how dangerous the sport is. Culverhouse, former president of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, formed a nonprofit organization to assist retired players suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) as well as other conditions resulting from a career in professional football. CTE is brought on by repeated blows to the head and concussions, particularly those that are not given proper care. This is a terrifying book. About 50 percent of NFL players suffer from some debilitating condition, with CTE the worst. It begins with headaches and compromised short-term memories, progressing into full-blown dementia. The book is filled with heartbreaking anecdotes, like the former player who saw a doctor for an evaluation, then had to have his GPS reprogrammed so he could find his way home. Culverhouse's primary concern here is former NFL players, but she advocates a more diligent, informed approach to football safety starting with youth leagues. All proceeds from this important book will be funneled into the author's program to assist players.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)