New figures from the nation’s largest brain bank revealed startling figures on Friday. A total of 87 deceased NFL players tested positive for CTE. Only 91 were tested.
Researchers with the Department of Veteran Affairs and Boston University identified the disease in 96 percent of NFL players they’ve examined and in 79 percent of all football players, per PBS.
In total, 131 of 165 individuals who previously played football before their death had symptoms of CTE in the brain tissue.
Naturally, the NFL responded with a tone deaf statement that provided zero substance.
When CTE is biggest threat to sport's future, NFL might want to reconsider. "Integrity of sport" and all that. https://t.co/DkYvVO0CMO
— Rich Hill (@PP_Rich_Hill) September 15, 2015
“We are dedicated to making football safer and continue to take steps to protect players, including rule changes, advanced sideline technology, and expanded medical resources,” the statement read. “We continue to make significant investments in independent research through our gifts to Boston University, the [National Institutes of Health] and other efforts to accelerate the science and understanding of these issues.”
First Sunday of the NFL season and I've already seen 2 players staggering around like zombies after hits to the head. #cte
— Todd Jones (@Todd_Jones) September 13, 2015
The findings didn’t rest well with current and former NFL players. Former TE Tom Crabtree went as far as having an epiphany on Twitter.
What an exciting way to start my weekend. I probably have CTE. https://t.co/1Ct0MK9qCT
— Tom Crabtree (@itsCrab) September 18, 2015
Depends. If next week i lose my mind and can't watch my kids grow up then no way. https://t.co/377XTU77FB
— Tom Crabtree (@itsCrab) September 18, 2015
That's why the "would you do it all again?" question is hard. I need to answer it in 50 years. If i can.
— Tom Crabtree (@itsCrab) September 18, 2015
After. I knew a concussion could happen. But it was always looked at as a less severe injury with no long term probs https://t.co/dVvqIWnSAB
— Tom Crabtree (@itsCrab) September 18, 2015
About CTE? None. https://t.co/aZyLvMO5wq
— Tom Crabtree (@itsCrab) September 18, 2015
Current and future NFL players will have education on the disease now. The question is: how many will still consider the sport a viable option moving forward?
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