NFL Cincinnati Bengals

Marvin Lewis Sounds Out Of Touch With Concussion Comments

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By @mattytheole

Marvin Lewis

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Just in case some were confused regarding recent adherence to concussion protocols, Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis provided the perfect reason why such measures are not only required, but essential.

Even as the NFL finally addresses a decades-long epidemic of head trauma that has caused both current and former players horrific long-term consequences, there are those within the league who continue to demonstrate the need for continued diligence and understanding. You can file Lewis under that category with designation “exhibit A.”

Lewis is no stranger to the NFL. He’s been coaching in one capacity or another within the league since 1992. He’s also been the head coach in Cincinnati since 2003. If anyone knows about football’s machismo-infested culture, it’s Lewis. So when the Bengals’ leader made controversial comments regarding concussions on Wednesday, it was of little surprise that folks around the country responded with a collective groan.

When asked about linebacker Vontaze Burfict’s recent concussion and its potential long-term effects, Lewis told the Cincinnati Enquirer that Burfict, “had a concussion against Atlanta. That’s that biggest concern that way. You don’t want him to have, you know, but again I coached defenses and linebackers for a long time and concussions didn’t linger. Now we have found that because of the media and things they seem to linger longer. There’s a lot of attention paid to it. I don’t know why they linger longer. I don’t remember them lingering like they do now.”

Um, wow. In fact, double-wow. Of all the revelations regarding head-trauma and the length of necessary recuperation, the notion that the media has lengthened recovery time honestly never occurred to me.

Apparently, I’m not alone in that regard. Social media predictably erupted, noting not only how wrong Lewis’ statements were, but also how far certain members of the football world still need to come in their understanding of concussions and their possible repercussions.

Therein lies the true worry of Lewis’ comments. Even as medical studies continue to highlight and contribute to society’s enhanced understanding of head-trauma, some still regard it all as an elaborate hoax. Such notions are inherently dangerous. For a high-profile coach such as Lewis, who is entrusted by both his franchise and his players to help contribute to greater awareness and sensitivity, uttering such nonsense is both baffling and disappointing.

In his response, NFLPA president Eric Winston noted the need for continued education amongst both players and coaches when it comes to concussions. A former player in his own right, Winston is well aware of the worries NFL players have regarding concussions. Several have opened up about their concerns in public forums and most are fully supportive of increased monitoring along with stricter protocols. Lewis is apparently not among them.

In his responses via Twitter, Winston called for greater awareness and education in the future. Obviously, Winston’s position is supported by a vast majority of both players and fans. Still, there are those who view current discussions regarding concussions as nothing more than another indication of football becoming too sanitized.

What they fail to recognize is that such measures are not simply about football. Rather, the concern here is for the pursuit of life away from the NFL. Bone-crushing hits and high-impact collisions will never disappear from football entirely. The very nature of the sport prohibits it. But that doesn’t mean awareness of potential consequences should be overlooked simply because the issue has made its way into mainstream media. While the media is popularly blamed for sensationalizing many explosive social issues, highlighting the dangers of concussions is surely not amongst them.

The bottom line is that Lewis’ comments are absurd on a disturbing level. Would they be thought of the same way 20 years ago? Doubtful. In that regard, recent education efforts about head-trauma have improved general understanding on a remarkable level. If Lewis’ comments reflect anything, it’s that those efforts still have a long ways to go.

Matt Johnson is a sports writer for www.rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter at mattytheole or “like” him on Facebook.

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