People have a way of taking things we love and making them feel unsafe. They’ll highlight studies they’ve read and emphasize avoiding this activity at all costs.
The truth is, everything is unsafe if you ponder the risks long enough. Playing football can be dangerous, but it’s not something you need to keep from your children. Your kids are in danger playing any sport; sheltering them from one is unnecessary.
Last week, LeBron James, the world’s greatest basketball player, announced he would not let his kids play football. James said he’d allow his kids to play baseball, soccer or basketball, but the risk of concussions was too hazardous for his family.
James’ act should be respected, but it should not be seen as some kind of new norm on how to raise children. What we know about concussion risks and football does not suddenly make you a bad person for letting your kids play it.
James claims he played football as a way to get out of poverty, one of the few options he had to get out a bad neighborhood in Akron, Ohio. It’s hard for me to believe that was James’ only motive when he was playing the game in middle and high school.
James likely played football for two reasons — as a way out of poverty as well as the honest enjoyment of playing the game. He wanted to play, just like millions of children across the country.
In 2009, James did a commercial for the NFL, where he pretended to sign with the Cleveland Browns and dominated the league. I suppose his feelings toward the league and the sport were a little different five years ago.
James’ allowance of sports like baseball and soccer also is perplexing considering the risks of concussions and injuries in those sports. Fans watch line drives hit pitchers and infielders in the head, and base runners tear their muscles all the time. It’s a chance you take when you play any sport.
Soccer is not only dangerous, but its regulations toward concussions are far less progressive than football’s. There was an incident during this year’s World Cup when a player was hit in the head, stayed on the field for the final 30 minutes and then admitted he didn’t remember playing.
All of this makes me wonder what LeBron would do if he hurt his leg or some other vital part of his body. If he began to have troubles doing household chores before 50, would he suddenly tell his children to stop playing basketball?
James is only playing with the common views of the times. The recent studies about football and its risks have raised awareness about the game’s issues, but it doesn’t require any bold proclamations. James is attempting to appear progressive, but in many ways, he looks ignorant.
When raising your kids, you should give them the freedom to choose football. Inform them about the risks involved, but don’t shelter them. Kids can learn important lessons while playing football, and your ethics shouldn’t prevent that from happening.
Remember the joy of playing football, and recognize that shielding your kids from the sport is parenting gone overboard.
Tommy Romanach is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from Dallas, Texas. You can reach him on Twitter @troman_92.