League of Fans

By Ken Reed

Former Boston College football player Spenser Rositano gave up football this fall after suffering his sixth concussion. Long-time NFL receiver Brandon Stokley retired a few weeks ago after suffering what’s been reported as his 13th concussion. Both Rositano and Stokley discovered that they were more prone to concussions with each […]

By Ken Reed

I think a lot of reporters and consumer advocates are jumping the gun on this week’s FCC proposal to end blackout restrictions on pro sporting events. I don’t think the FCC action does anything for the fans yet — and it may never do anything for them. The reality is that even […]

By Ken Reed

President Barack Obama made two big announcements this week regarding the upcoming Sochi Olympics.

One, the U.S. won’t be sending a president, first lady, former president or vice president to the Winter Games. And two, Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow, two openly gay athletes, will be part of the United […]

By Ken Reed

Football and hockey players who complete their seasons without suffering a concussion still show measurable brain damage according to a new study.

College football and hockey players had notable changes in brain structure and cognitive performance which their fellow athletes in non-contact sports such as track, cross-country skiing and crew didn’t […]

By Ken Reed

Get this: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman believes player safety is a primary consideration for his league.

“We have been extraordinarily proactive on the whole issue of player safety, and I think our record in that regard speaks volumes,” says Bettman.

I didn’t see him when he said this but I presume he […]

By Ken Reed

Dave Zirin is an activist sportswriter. In other words, he looks beyond the playing fields to economic and social justice issues in the world of sports. I don’t always agree with his takes (although the vast majority of the time I do), but I couldn’t agree more with his selection for […]

By Ken Reed

Anyone who’s read this blog for any length of time knows I’m a strong advocate for cardiovascular-based physical education in our schools, and regular exercise and sports participation for adults. In general, people who are physically fit are healthier, perform better cognitively, and have fewer emotional and behavioral problems.

So, today, the […]

By Ken Reed

Matt Chaney, a former football player and coach, periodically writes a blog about the dangers of football. He recently posted a long, sometimes-rambling, but wide-ranging and compelling blog entry entitled, “The Medical and Monetary Case Against Public Football.” Here are some highlights from his post:

Daniel S. Goldberg, JD […]