Question for those who wouldn't let their kids play football
In only two weeks, we will see a whirlwind of satellite football camps. If I'm counting correctly, there are now 35 or more separate camps Michigan is involved in. Harbaugh has been very upfront about his purpose. He wants to help spread a love for the game of football. He believes that football is a great arena in which to teach many things, from teamwork to hard work to physical exercise to a host of other things. I happen to agree. In fact, I agree to the point that my son is gearing up for summer football, in preparation for the Fall season. While I seriously doubt my son will play in college, he is more than good enough to play in high school, and really enjoys the game.
However, many of you, while fans of Michigan football, would be strongly against letting your own children play football. This question is for you.
How can you justify being a fan of football if you are completely against your child participating in it? This just doesn't make sense to me. I don't mind those who hate football, and I understand that there are many people who for whatever reason, aren't capable of playing ball. But if you are a Michigan football fan, but won't let your kid play ball, help me understand how you reconcile that.
(Note: this question isn't about whether or not football is dangerous, or whether or not there is a threat of CTE or concussion in playing ball. It is solely about being a fan and at the same time being against familial participation in tackle football.)
The Lord hath spoken, let us rejoice and give thanks in football!
If I had a child with the aptitude and desire to play football, I would have no problem with that, assuming the coaching staff was competent and didn't have the "win at any cost" mentality.
Football is a great avenue for some kids to earn college scholarships and get them into schools they otherwise would have a hard time getting into because of academic standards, economics, or both.
Obviously, the longer players are exposed to concussions, and the harder the hits, the greater liklihood there is to be problems. Most kids are never going to play in the NFL. I'm not saying there is no danger, but I would think the danger is reduced, in some cases significantly, by not playing 10 or more years in the NFL. Add to that, that most of the NFL players who have had their brains examined during autopsies were also from an era (and some claim this is still ongoing, despite the testing now in place) where substantial abuse of steroids and other PEDs was commonplace. I would think that users of steroids would be at a higher risk not just CTE, but other physical and mental damage as well.