Ben Says He Does Not Have A Concussion And Expects To Play Sunday

Sounds like a team that's not on the same page. Seems that way a lot this season.

 

So they give the team the diagnostic results of a medical procedure before they give it to the player. This is truly odd, but I agree - symptoms of team and players not being on the same page.

 

I don't think this true. Ben was on the Fan today, and said the docs told him that he had something like a trans-ocular migrane. which Ben interpreted as 'not a concussion'. The Steelers (surely following NFL direction, while a highly visible movie on the subject is out), are saying Ben is following the concussion protocol, because we always put player safety first.

Both have separate agendas, Ben: I'm a gamer, I'll be there. Steelers: Safety first, it's concussion until we know otherwise. But both have the same info, I'm sure.

 

how about MT's concussion?

 

I heard Ben felt that he passed the test but he did not have the results yet from the testing before he went on-air. By the time the radio show was over the results were finalized and the concussion diagnosis was given. I don't think there was a miscommunication, I think Ben felt fine and reported his thoughts before he had the medical results to back it. Just him speaking before the results were finalized.

 

He was diagnosed with CTE. Coach Tomlin Errors.

 

Which one? I'm pretty sure he has had multiple concussions.

 

They're still running tests but so far the doctor has a gut feeling that it is actually severe dementia.

 

Just hope Ben is cleared to play and doesn't end his career like Aikman.

 

I really hope they can absolutely and definitively tell if a player has one because can any of us say that we totally trust Ben to be honest about his problems and say that he shouldn't play? Also can anyone tell me if the team docs are completely independent of the Steelers in the sense that they give their diagnosis and the team HAS to bench players that they recommend they should? Also do people think the docs are pressured by the team to try their best to find a way to get their stars on the field? I'm talking league wide do you think this kind of stuff might happen?

 

Bottom line, he has a concussion, so untill he clears protocol he wont play this sunday, ben doesnt get to diagnose himself now since he is in the protocol phase of his concussion, sorry Ben you dont get to turn the concussion protocol on and off at will...

 

Sounds like Ben's not happy with the way Tomlin handled this whole thing.

 

Ben's had several concussions over the years. The cycle accident, the one where he missed the Balt game (where Hines questioned his toughness), the playoff game last yr, and I think there were couple of others.

This seems like a lot and you have to wonder if it will effect his longevity.

Ben talked on the radio about self-reporting because of concern about long term health, concern about being around for his family, concern about not wanting to be like other players who've had long term issues, etc,etc. Now part of me thinks this is typical player BS, saying the right thing to the press, for the organization and the league. On the other hand, a Ben is a little older, he's cashed $100M worth of NFL pay checks, he's made his money, and he'd probably like to be healthy enough to enjoy it.

Whether this makes him hang it up a yr or two earlier than he might otherwise,we'll have to see.

 

It would certainly jive with his progression as a player the last few years in trying to avoid the hits he took early in his career.

 

I'm not sure how much pull the coaches have with that. Remember Tomlin insinuating that Shaziers injuries were minor and should be playing. (Tomlin's boo-boo comments). Kinda sounded like Tomlin wanted him on the field but the player or docs overruled?

 

I always took that as Tomlin just trying to be the witty person he considers himself.

 

In the past, I would say that this was common. However, I've noticed over the past season or so, with the increased attention from some of the well-known post-career cases, that teams are much quicker with the hook when they think a concussion may have occurred. Kind of odd that no one (including our own players) did anything about Ben during Sunday's game.

 

I seem to recall several players, and former player-commentators as well, saying that once you get past 2-3 concussions over a span of several years, you are in a much higher risk category of developing permanent (debilitating) damage. I'm sure Ben isn't ignorant of these medical facts, and would make the right choice for himself. It would suck for us - but I want him to do what's best for Ben first.

 

Earlier in the Packers game the Rodgers got tackled pretty hard and the team doctors came over and said they wanted to take a look at him and he told them he was fine and apparently they just took his word for it and walked away. That basically sounds like "don't ask don't tell" to me. I'm sure he is fine but if they think he needs to be looked at he should be looked at. Although maybe that sideline reporter wasn't altogether accurate too.

 

Never understood how running backs and receivers get hit hard and slammed into the ground 20 times per game, yet EVERY quarterback out there can get sacked 10 times a year and come out of it with concussions.

 

I think a lot of it has to do with their vulnerable, unprotected positioning.