The NFL's Missed Opportunities To Address Important Issues

A week ago, a Kansas City Chief Linebacker was involved in a murder-suicide that both stunned and saddened the sports world and the media in general. It was condemned by many, captured the attention of the population, and upset many. The NFL, using their regular "See no evil, Heard no evil" stance, played the game the next day with a brief mention of victims of domestic violence. By doing so, they missed a huge opportunity to address 3 important issues that this incident raised. While they mentioned domestic violence, they failed to raise awareness on the subject. Not all domestic violence issues end this dramatically, but recognizing that it happens more often than most people think and that it happens in many "happy relationships" should have been done. Domestic violence can be subtle (emotional, financial) and not so subtle. Using this incident to take a stance on this subject and doing public service announcements would have shown more caring by the NFL. I am still appalled by the fact that they actually played the football game the next day. Not only did this incident create instant grief for all the players and the people affected by this act, what is being neglected is that the two people, including the Chiefs' coach, Romeo Crennel, saw a man kill himself. No one will ever know how he feels except for Mr.Crennel, but the general consensus is that, if someone you know commits suicide, and that you were one of the last people to speak to them, you have many severe symptoms that take time to heal. These symptoms include intrusive thoughts, hyper-arousal, and avoidance and/or numbing. This is usually called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and this MEDICAL condition takes time to heal. Not 24-48 hour. Again, the NFL missed an opportunity to recognize this condition, give time to the team and especially Crennel and Scott Pioli who were, by many accounts, the last two to talk to this player before he committed suicide. Mental health issues are as important as any other medical issues and need to be recognize as such. Again, the NFL could have used this opportunity to recognize these issues, not only for grief, PTSD, but also possible Depression, which may have caused this unthinkable act. What about all this talk about Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)? How do you know that TBI had nothing to do with this incident? This player did shoot himself in the head but the NFL has long neglected brain injury and their occurrence. What a great opportunity to increase awareness about this issue and state something about increase studies need to be done on this issue. Right now, by saying nothing, some people may say that they know something about the constant contact in this sport causing head injuries but they are trying to hide something. Put it out there, look for a solution. This player may not have had a TBI but use this as an opportunity. I want to also mention a final issue the NFL can address: This may not be the same incident but it's worth mentioning. Friday, a Dallas Cowboys' player was killed by another player driving apparently under the influence of alcohol. This same player was on probation recently for a DUI. When a player has been arrested for substance issues, why are they more supported? Where is the prevention? Substance abuse issues, as well as treatment is left to the legal system and not by a support system. Why not? Again, an opportunity to bring up an issue that is a very big problem in America. The NFL has had many opportunities to address domestic, mental health, substance use issues, as well as traumatic brain injuries, all issues that have plagued the league in several off field issues. It is sad that the NFL continues to ignore these issues...they will just keep on showing up. Acknowledging these things would go a long way for the league, fans, and the public in general.