Tulane values interdisciplinary learning for its emphasis on innovation, creation, and discovery. Over 40% of Tulane undergraduates double major. Pick a pressing problem in the world today and describe how combining two unlike subjects can help solve it.
Sporting events are an integral part of society worldwide. No matter if it is a little league game, or the Super Bowl, people are extremely invested in sports. Especially the athletes, who put their blood, sweat, and tears into every game and practice. But what if they are putting in more than that? What if these contact sports were actually changing the minds of the athletes? It is becoming more and more apparent that this is the case. Research is piling up about the dangers of head injuries from contact sports, and the horrific neurological effects are being uncovered; however, combining neurology and sociology can mitigate, or even stop, the concussion crisis.
It is appalling to learn of the deterioration of elite players such as Mike Webster (AKA "Iron Mike") who ultimately died of CTE caused by recurrent head injuries. Renowned physicians such as Dr. Omalu and Dr. McKee have been working tirelessly to expose these dangers. The largest obstacles standing in the way of doctors in this conflict are the organizations that run the leagues. Already, the NFL has rejected scientific evidence about the detrimental changes that concussions have made to previous players’ brains. The clash between the two sides is fueled by the social aspect of the game. Football is no longer just a sport, but a business. Ranging from the halftime show to Draft Kings, people flip on the game for more than just the scoreboard. Players develop a dangerous attitude centered around a love for contact, and the fans are right alongside them egging on the violence. To stop the abuse, we must first understand it. Learning about the sociological aspects and benefits claimed by both the league leaders and its fans is imperative to making changes. Furthermore, many of the proponents are blind to the long term consequences of “getting your bell rung”. Previously thought to be something one could brush off, a minor blow to the head needs to be treated with great care, and the only way to spread this behavior is by informing all of those involved. People must be educated about the neurology behind concussions to be influenced to enact modifications.
It is unfeasible to expect a diehard Ravens fan to have the same point of view as a neurosurgeon, but through the amalgamation of neurology and sociology, everyone can respect one another’s opinions and work to make a compromise. The solution here is not the end of contact sports; however, improvement must be made to maintain the safety of the players. Failing to address this growing issue will result in damaged minds of generations to come.