I think football is under fire so much because they outright lied to the medical community for quite a while. They had a rheumatologist as their concussion expert and had him publish fabrications to medical journals. In turn doctors gave mis-information to their patients about concussions. Other than a pretty small settlement (at least by NFL income standards) they've not been held accountable. Not saying it's right, just saying it's a possible explanation for the all out warfare from some corners.

The NFL buried a doctor's career because he dared to oppose their "findings". They should be held accountable.