Quote: REDEOD "This point was mentioned on the blunderside commentary. The long term Impact of these head knocks on the health of the players is known to be severe. I’m not sure if the game has changed and we are seeing more head injuries as a result or if the fact that the concerns are so prevalent they become much more highlighted.
But apparently players have to be given the ok to play by a neurologist, which suggests the safeguard responsibility is taken away from the club and given to an independent individual which is the correct way imo.'"
I think the legal ramifications of the NFL stuff in the US has got all sports concerned that if they don't ensure that players are not looked after then they will be sued.
The concussions in the past were not as heavily focussed on, but there are players such as Ian Roberts in Australia who are associating the lack of player care with brain damage.
Nowadays the clubs, governing bodies, their lawyers and insurers are all terrified of legal action. If players consistently get headknocks their clubs won't be able to insure them and they will have to retire whether they want to or not.