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On the Good Men Project’s Disposability of Men/CTE Social Interest Group’s convocast, moderated by Michael Kasdan, we recently expanded on our discussion about the emotional side of contact sports. In particular, the Minnesota-Vikings game where Case Keenum was penalized for taunting for allegedly flipping the ball at the defender that mauled Stefon Diggs. Keenum said afterwards, “It’s not something I meant to do at all; I was just frustrated with getting sacked, something I can avoid,” Keenum said. “I did a bad job in the pocket. I guess I threw the ball. I don’t even remember kind of what happened. It’s not me. It’s not who I am.”
“It’s not me. It’s not who I am.”
This is a perfect example of “Rage on Demand,” “Intentional PTSD,” where one moment a man is fine and the next he is consumed with rage and takes it out on another human being. Within moments after that, he is remorseful – “I don’t even remember kind of what happened.” But the damage is done. All thanks to training in a contact sport, football in this case.
Disposability of Men
In line with disposability, when one player is sidelined, the coach calls for the next man up to go forth and take the hit and hopefully survive. If not, he’s out and the next in line takes his place. The game must go on.
The training includes players developing a sense of loyalty to one another. One player uses his head and body to save another player from having to use his head and body. It is a celebration of violence and showmanship.
Been there, done that.
Most of the men on the call have played football and have the brain injuries and emotional scars to prove it. They talk about their experience. Anyone who gets to walk away from the game, takes the tool, the weapon, of rage. They can pull it out whenever they need to assert themselves. It works on the field and off, at home and on the job, anywhere, anytime.
Is this what we want for our kids?
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We want to hear your point of view. Have you played a contact sport? Do your children? Have you experienced sudden explosions of rage? Has your student-athlete?
Tells us your story of your sports experience and what you’ve taken away – the good and the bad? If you’ve experienced brain trauma, how have you dealt with it? If your student-athlete has had concussions or exhibiting CTE symptoms, how have you dealt with it?
The GMP is dedicated to improving the lives of men and it includes healthy brains. For those with sports injured brains, your story of recovery will inspire others.
When you’re ready to submit, click the red box, below.
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Photo credit: Getty Images