Beldar

Not downplaying the injuries and their impact on people, but is this really the most important thing Congressional committees should be addressing?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/sp...jury.html?_r=2

LogicWarrior

still no college football playoff, not the change i voted for

Kajon

It was the only bipartisan thing I have seen them do all year!

Beldar

K - good point.

UCBChemEGrad

Maxine Waters typical comments about a private entity making too much money...$8 billion a year *gasp!* No one should earn a profit. Sorry, Maxine, but players dream of playing at the pro level and are rewarded handsomely for it.

romanigypsyeyes

OT- I honestly don't understand how any organization or business can be exempt from anti-trust laws. What is the point of having the laws if only certain groups have to follow them?

And Kajon, you're right. That is very sad when you think about it .

BigG

The precedent was Major League Baseball, which held a semi-sacred status in American society when it received anti-trust exemption. When football became equivalent in status, sometime in the 1960's (?), the extension to the NFL/AFL merger seemed reasonable.

Companies and institutions want and get exemptions from applicable legislation/laws all the time. Why do you all think lobbyists exist?

The concussion issue can be addressed by equipment changes which the players will complain about. Players back in the day thought mouthpieces and faceguards were sissy (No, I am not that old, I heard about it from my Dad).

Equipment changes do effect the dynamics of the game. Players that are good relative to others with the current helmets might decline in relative skill with a "concussion proof" helmet.

The game could be played in inflatable "sumo wrestler" suits with almost no injuries. Uh Oh! I think the NFL competition committee is surrounding my lair!