NFL To Scan for Battered Brains

Spurred by evidence of widespread neurological degeneration among current and former players, the National Football League plans to screen its athletes for susceptibility to concussions:

The issue of concussions has drawn added attention in recent months after a forensic pathologist who studied the brain tissue of Andre Waters after his suicide last November at age 44
concluded Waters had brain damage. And the damage resulted from multiple concussions during 12 years as an NFL safety.

In addition, the Boston Globe and New York Times reported in February that
34-year-old Ted Johnson, who spent 10 years as a linebacker with the
New England Patriots, shows early signs of Alzheimer's disease.

Johnson said he began to deteriorate in 2002 with a concussion during an exhibition game against the New York Giants. He said he had another concussion four days later after coach Bill Belichick prodded him to participate in a full-contact practice, even though he was supposed to be avoiding hits.

Goodell acknowledged the problems often come from players who want to re-enter games or return to practice before doctors clear them.

"We're protecting the players against the players," he said.

The New York Times account of Ted Johnson's decline is heartbreaking, as is ESPN's acclaimed investigation of the life and death of former Pittsburgh Steeler star Mike Webster. The problem clearly needs to be addressed -- but how much can brain scans do?

Today's article doesn't quote any neuroscientists or doctors, unfortunately, so I'll email a few and pass on their comments in coming days.

NFL likely to conduct neurological tests [Associated Press]

Image: pboyd04