49ers Borland Retires

[Patler]

Just like, but not nearly as bad as, Larry Sanders - I guess it's easier to pursue your other interests and worry about your health after you've grabbed a gob of cash from the league. At least Borland quit at $1 million instead of $20-$25.

Ya, I thought about both. At least Sanders spent some years in the league, was a starter and proven performer (at times) and his "problems" were well-known. Many thought the Bucks were crazy to give him that much cash.

Borland pocketed a million $ for a season he probably expected not to play much as a rookie. Then suddenly in the off season he has an epiphany and understands there are risks of head trauma, so he quits.

[Joemailman]

Jeff Miller, the NFL's senior vice president of health and safety policy, released the following statement Tuesday morning.

"We respect Chris Borland's decision and wish him all the best. Playing any sport is a personal decision," the statement read.

"By any measure, football has never been safer and we continue to make progress with rule changes, safer tackling techniques at all levels of football, and better equipment, protocols and medical care for players. Concussions in NFL games were down 25 percent last year, continuing a three-year downward trend. We continue to make significant investments in independent research to advance the science and understanding of these issues. We are seeing a growing culture of safety. Everyone involved in the game knows that there is more work to do and player safety will continue to be our top priority."

.

[pbmax]

I feel no more sorry for the 49ers than I do for a player dumped 3 days before the roster bonus is due. A signing bonus is an inducement to get a player to sign a deal and offload risk to the team. The risk was their's to bear, not his.

The CBA language (or wherever its written) to allow (partial) recovery of that bonus changes the nature of that payment substantially. Its not a bonus anymore, its an advance on future salary.

The idea that a player is beholden to a contract but the team is not is dumb.

[red]

where the hell is bretsky? this seems like the perfect thing to shove in his face

[Patler]

I don't feel sorry for the 49ers either, nor am I drawing distinctions between the players and teams responsibilities and obligations. Just pointing out a situation in which, perhaps, a player took advantage of the team. People tend to see the reverse more often.

I wonder if it is really concern about his head. There were several stories last year that he already required another shoulder "fix", after having three already. Perhaps he was looking for funds to take care of that, and never did intend to play long because of it. Best case scenario, the team would pick up the tab. Worst case scenario, he would have the cash to pay for it himself. (Don't know how insurance would treat it otherwise.)

[MadScientist]

Thus marks the beginning of the end of pro football, at least as we know it.

Ah, it was a good run.

Yea, this trend is not looking good for football's long term future. I think the next step will be shock sensors in the helmets. After calibration there will be a mandatory concussion check after a specified shock, and a mandatory removal from game after a specified higher shock level. The levels might change if a player has had a concussion in previous weeks. Doing this would prevent players from 'playing through' concussions, reducing the chances of injuring an already injured brain.

Unfortunately, while improving long-term health, the knowledge of how much damage players are doing to their brains during a game may wind up scaring even more players off.

[denverYooper]

i'm thinking the exact same thing

and so the end begins

Ted knew it. He's poised the team to go out on top.

[Fosco33]

If/When they are able to specifically identify the effects of micro concussions and the major dingers - and some connection of history/personal effect, then a player can make an informed decision.

I.e. - farmers and coal miners know the risks and life expediencies but still decide to pursue that career for a host of reasons.

One of my best friends was a lineman at UW - had spinal stenosis after an awkward hit and gave up football immediately (he was in line for starter as Junior and was as good bet as anyone to make an NFL team). He weighed that risk and made a decision.

Not much different than many others for that condition but now seemingly becoming more common for pro athletes and concussion risks...

[mraynrand]

Ya, I thought about both. At least Sanders spent some years in the league, was a starter and proven performer (at times) and his "problems" were well-known. Many thought the Bucks were crazy to give him that much cash.

Borland pocketed a million $ for a season he probably expected not to play much as a rookie. Then suddenly in the off season he has an epiphany and understands there are risks of head trauma, so he quits.

Ahh..Larry Sanders was a basketball reference. Did Larry wear a helmet?

[mraynrand]

The idea that a player is beholden to a contract but the team is not is dumb.

raise your hand if you disagree. thought so.

[pbmax]

raise your hand if you disagree. thought so.

Two posters compared Borland to Sanders, mentioned gobs of cash and quitting.

Does anyone describe teams that way when they part with players?

[pbmax]

If/When they are able to specifically identify the effects of micro concussions and the major dingers - and some connection of history/personal effect, then a player can make an informed decision.

I.e. - farmers and coal miners know the risks and life expediencies but still decide to pursue that career for a host of reasons.

One of my best friends was a lineman at UW - had spinal stenosis after an awkward hit and gave up football immediately (he was in line for starter as Junior and was as good bet as anyone to make an NFL team). He weighed that risk and made a decision.

Not much different than many others for that condition but now seemingly becoming more common for pro athletes and concussion risks...

Famers and coal miners probably have fewer choices.

[mraynrand]

Two posters compared Borland to Sanders, mentioned gobs of cash and quitting.

Does anyone describe teams that way when they part with players?

So you are saying teams are not allowed by contract to cut players?

[pbmax]

So you are saying teams are not allowed by contract to cut players?

Not at all. But the reaction to each side exercising their contractual rights is asymmetric.

[mraynrand]

Famers and coal miners probably have fewer choices.

? A lot of football players have no other skills I should think. Either play football, or what, fall back on your degree in electrical engineering? Or go work in the coal mine more likely.