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01-16-2013, 10:54 AM | |
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Thomas Jones to donate brain for study after death
Thomas Jones fears developing CTE
Updated: January 16, 2013, 10:00 AM ET By Jane McManus | ESPNNewYork.com Thomas Jones, a retired running back who played for five teams in 12 NFL seasons, has decided to donate his brain upon his death to the Sports Legacy Institute to be studied for evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Jones said he has no idea how many concussions he sustained, but that he's concerned with what they could mean for his future. "Honestly, like I couldn't give you a number because you just play with them," Jones said. "You can't know; nobody does. I think the guys counting the concussions were the ones that got knocked out." The Sports Legacy Institute won't confirm individual donations, but a spokesperson said that more than 600 living athletes have decided to donate their brains to be studied. Of 34 neural tissue samples from NFL players, 33 had evidence of CTE. Jones said he can only guess at what has happened to his brain after 20 years of games and practices -- and numerous "baby concussions" -- through his NFL, college and high school career. "It's like taking a fresh, ripe apple and tapping it with your thumb over and over again," Jones said. Jones is in the editing process of a documentary series, "The NFL: The Gift or the Curse?" The first of six planned episodes, produced by Jones' company Independently Major Entertainment Films, deals with concussions and suicide. He interviewed Ann McKee, co-director of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at Boston University and co-director Chris Nowinski about the issue. Jones decided to make his donation after conducting interviews for the project. Last week, Junior Seau's family revealed that his brain showed evidence of CTE when he committed suicide last year. This generation of players is the first to play with concrete evidence that they could be compromising not-too-distant futures by playing professional football. In the documentary, Jones also interviewed former defensive end Adewale Ogunleye, who was drafted by the Dolphins in 2000. Ogunleye sees ominous signs in what might just be everyday forgetfulness. "Somebody might tell me their name; I don't remember it right away," Ogunleye said. "Now I kind of laugh it off but when stuff like that happens, I'll be like, 'Damn, I hope these concussions don't come back to haunt us in the end.' And if they do, I just pray someone is there to help me through the tough times that may come." In the rough cut, Ogunleye then puts his face in his hands. Jones comes over and puts his arm on Ogunleye's shoulder. These issues are personal for NFL players. Jones uses the example of Dave Duerson's suicide in February of last year. "His suicide, you see it on TV and it's just news," Jones said. "But to us, it's more than that." Jones envisions the series as the players speaking directly to the fans about the pitfalls of playing in the NFL. He understands that many people see attaining the dream of playing in the NFL as a dream come true, but wants to show what it looks like through the eyes of the men who reached that goal. "The fans look at it as money," Jones said, "but once you've bought everything you want, you realize there is more you want out of life." The series also will focus on issues such as domestic violence and financial pressures. Jones is talking with possible distributors for the project. http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/stor...n-science-dies |
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01-16-2013, 02:22 PM | #61 | |
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01-16-2013, 02:35 PM | #62 | |
Diablo Negro
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How many of them do you think aren't aware of the risks? Lets go one step farther, how many don't know the risks and would walk away once they know the risk?I believe that number to be 0. |
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01-16-2013, 02:41 PM | #63 | |
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01-16-2013, 02:47 PM | #64 |
Choco Favre
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KC Sporting is right.
While everyone else must go to school, work hard and then work 9-5 for the rest of their lives these guys can play in the NFL and retire before 30. Then they talk about head injuries and want everyone to feel sorry for them. It will be much worse in 10 years, players will CHOOSE on their own to play and then complain about the lack of treatment they received from the NFL. For future considerations if they are concerned then do something else. |
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01-16-2013, 02:50 PM | #65 | |
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Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning: Matt once made a very nice play in Seattle where he spun away from a pass rusher and hit Bowe off his back foot for a first down. One of the best plays Matt has ever made. |
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01-16-2013, 02:50 PM | #66 | |
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Good Time Charlie, Uncle Doobie and the Great Frisco Freakout. |
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01-16-2013, 02:51 PM | #67 | ||
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Oddly enough donating your brain to science has just become selfish.
Somehow...
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01-16-2013, 03:08 PM | #68 |
No mayonnaise for me today!!!
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And I'm the dick?
You couldnt spend 2 weeks in the military you pussy. Stick to being a message board tough guy with your name calling. We will handle the tough shit. |
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01-16-2013, 03:16 PM | #69 |
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It's a copycat league.
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01-16-2013, 03:18 PM | #70 |
Facts are stubborn things.
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Why is it that these athletes only say there is more to life than $ after they make it?
The hypocrisy is obnoxious. They are highly paid to play a game that comes w/ OBVIOUS inherent risk to physical health. Huge athletic freaks of nature running around at high speed colliding with each other over and over the course of years. The same group of guys that claim their coaches and/or doctors and/or league lied to them were lying to said coaches/doctors about how hurt they were in order to stay on the field and KEEP the jobs they are crying crocodile tears over in an effort to shockingly make some more $. |
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01-16-2013, 03:19 PM | #71 | |
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Good point. I think I'll donate my right hand and forearm to science. I can already tell it's going bad. |
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01-16-2013, 03:21 PM | #72 |
Bring it on Ahab!
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There are all types of professions where you risk life and limb for less money and less glory than NFL players.
Also, anyone who thought smashing your head into other people's head while running full speed would not negatively impact your brain... well, it obviously wasn't something you were using in the first place. Moreover, all of these men had a chance at a free post secondary education. How many of you had that opportunity? Finally, they can retired and enter the workforce at any time. They are in no way obligated to play until their body breaks down and they have to quit. I'm sorry, but these NFL players pretty much blame everyone except the primary person responsible. |
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01-16-2013, 03:25 PM | #73 |
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you made your money, stop complaining.
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01-16-2013, 03:25 PM | #74 | |
Facts are stubborn things.
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01-16-2013, 03:29 PM | #75 | |
Facts are stubborn things.
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