Darrell Davis: Sports on the brain

Sidney Crosby’s brain is a hot topic these days, partly because of the NHL’s concussion protocol.

Was his brain injured again when he crashed into the boards during the Pittsburgh Penguins’ last loss against the Washington Capitals? Did the league and his team handle the situation correctly?

We can’t avoid these discussions anymore. The NHL has set up a poor protocol to safeguard its players, all while a lawsuit is pending by former players who believe they weren’t adequately protected during their careers.

A story in Sports Illustrated about former NFL linebacker Nick Buoniconti revealed how seriously his mental health has been deteriorating.

“At 55, I was normal,” said the 76-year-old Hall of Famer. “I’m not normal anymore.”

Aaron Hernandez, a former NFLer, committed suicide while serving a prison sentence for murder. Like the families of other NFL players, Hernandez’s wants his brain analysed for concussion symptoms.

A member of my family suffered sports-related concussions and I’ve witnessed the behavioral changes. It’s everywhere.