Chicago Bears host seminar on player safety, face awkward questions on LB Brian Urlacher's statements - NFL News
The Chicago Bears, on Wednesday hosted a seminar on health and safety in conjunction with the National Football League (NFL) inside Halas Hall. The event brought players and coaches from college level to discuss the dangers associated with concussions.
The event was well received by the audience but also resulted in some awkward questions for Chicago Bears officials.
Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey who spoke at the event was forced to tackle some uncomfortable questions about statements from linebacker and fan favourite Brian Urlacher.
When asked that his own player had refused to tell officials if he ever had a concussion the Bears President responded by saying.
"There's a warrior mentality, and this is exactly the reason we are here today,"
Adding further he said that Urlacher was just being honest about the situation.
‘‘Brian responded honestly about how he would approach the situation — and he hasn’t had a concussion that I’m aware of. He was just talking about a hypothetical situation. By his own admission, maybe not the wisest course of action. But that shows his desire
and that shows a mentality.”
Urlacher in a previous interview had told the media that if he ever had a concussion during the game he would try and hide it from the officials and the team so that he can remain on the field and continue to play.
A concussion and its resulting side effects could sideline a player for many weeks or the entire season if it is severe but Urlacher was adamant that he will not let it come between his duties on the field.
‘‘If I have a concussion these days, I’m going to say something happened to my toe or knee just to get my bearings for a few plays. I’m not going to sit in there and say I got a concussion. I can’t go in the rest of the game.”
The league is currently facing a multitude of lawsuits from former players who are complaining about the lack of awareness raised by the NFL in relation to concussion.
The lawsuits have led the NFL to make player health and safety their number one priority in the 2011-12 season and the seminar in Chicago was just one part of a large program by the league to increase awareness among players about the risks associated with
concussions.
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