Code Switch The NFL's concussion problem beyond CTE
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Feb 24, 2025 Will Hobson, an investigative sports reporter at The Washington Post, dives into the NFL’s controversial concussion settlement. The conversation reveals how racial dynamics impact the payout process for former players. Hobson discusses the alarming connections between brain diseases and football, particularly highlighting CTE. The podcast also addresses the unsettling practice of race norming in cognitive assessments, revealing its disproportionate effects on African-American players seeking compensation. It's a deep look into the NFL's challenges and the ramifications for those involved.
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Beyond CTE
- Football-related brain disease is a broader issue than just CTE.
- Playing professionally increases the risk of various dementia-causing illnesses.
CTE Diagnosis
- CTE is difficult to diagnose because confirmation requires an autopsy after death.
- However, other dementia-causing brain diseases can be diagnosed while alive.
The Concussion Settlement
- In 2015, the NFL agreed to a settlement with former players for brain disease, with payments potentially in the millions.
- The settlement covers players pre-2015 and lasts 65 years, though it doesn't cover current players.