Beth C.
Written on Nov 2, 2015
'Concussion' is the story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, the neuropathologist who discovered CTE - the disease that is damaging/killing football players at a rate that would never be allowed in anything else. Dr. Omalu, whose role in the discovery has been largely ignored/forgotten/whitewashed, came from Nigeria having little to now idea how big a role football plays in our nation. When he discovered CTE, and published his findings, he was certain that the news would be welcomed as a way to save future players. Instead, he got a fast and furious lesson in how big business (Yes, the NFL qualifies) can spin stories and take over the narrative.
This book takes a look at not only his discovery, but at Dr. Omalu as a person. His upbringing, who he is as a person, his motivations, and his convictions. Interspersed between the what the author has written are bits in italics - the words of Dr. Omalu himself. It's an eye-opening look at what shaped the man who, on nothing more than a whim, autopsied the brain of Mike Webster to discover the cause of Webster's crazy. It's also a heart-breaking account of what happens when the NFL and its fans put their money and desire for entertainment ahead of the health and well-being of those responsible for that money and entertainment.
The writing in places feels a bit...off. It's sort of like how a person inexperienced in English would write, with the very short sentences and awkward dialogue. However, it's not often and in the overall scheme of the story, it does not do any damage. It is an interested tale, as evidenced by the fact that the movie (with Will Smith as Dr. Omalu) is coming out this December. It's also a tale that needs to be told, for the sake of those who are putting their lives on the line for a billion-dollar entertainment industry, as well as for the forgotten man who has continued doing his best to help them.
Look, I am a football fan (not fanatic). I have a team I follow, and I root for them to do well. But I also believe that these players, not all of whom have multi-billion dollar contacts, are going to put their future health and well-being on the line, then the NFL has a responsibility towards them that has been lacking. This book makes very clear the science, the attempts to negate the science, and the outcome if something isn't done. Now the question is - are people truly listening?
This book takes a look at not only his discovery, but at Dr. Omalu as a person. His upbringing, who he is as a person, his motivations, and his convictions. Interspersed between the what the author has written are bits in italics - the words of Dr. Omalu himself. It's an eye-opening look at what shaped the man who, on nothing more than a whim, autopsied the brain of Mike Webster to discover the cause of Webster's crazy. It's also a heart-breaking account of what happens when the NFL and its fans put their money and desire for entertainment ahead of the health and well-being of those responsible for that money and entertainment.
The writing in places feels a bit...off. It's sort of like how a person inexperienced in English would write, with the very short sentences and awkward dialogue. However, it's not often and in the overall scheme of the story, it does not do any damage. It is an interested tale, as evidenced by the fact that the movie (with Will Smith as Dr. Omalu) is coming out this December. It's also a tale that needs to be told, for the sake of those who are putting their lives on the line for a billion-dollar entertainment industry, as well as for the forgotten man who has continued doing his best to help them.
Look, I am a football fan (not fanatic). I have a team I follow, and I root for them to do well. But I also believe that these players, not all of whom have multi-billion dollar contacts, are going to put their future health and well-being on the line, then the NFL has a responsibility towards them that has been lacking. This book makes very clear the science, the attempts to negate the science, and the outcome if something isn't done. Now the question is - are people truly listening?