Question of the week: If you had a son now, would you discourage him from playing football?
Nants Foley: “I would rather have him interested in football than sitting on his rear playing violent video games. Life is inherently dangerous.”
Bill Mifsud: “No. Equipment is getting better but when you play a collision sport it only takes one hit and I mean a legal hit and things can go bad. Football is a violent sport but out of respect to those who have children it is a decision that each parent should make.”
Richard Herrera: “I am aware of the pros and cons of playing football or other sports. I will allow my son to play football & I intend to coach him.”
Mary Zanger: “No! If my child wanted to play football, I would support him. I think the exercise is valuable (obesity is the No. 1 problem in San Benito County). I think the sport builds athleticism, muscle skills and mental acuity. I understand in grade school the game is tag football. High school needs parental guidance to assure proper protection with pads and helmets, although parenting can be overdone by insisting on winning. College football involves scholarships, prestige with goal setting for youth. Pro football has become the pinnacle of athleticism, mental skills and financial rewards. It is heartening to view good sportsmanship with congratulatory handshaking at the post game. On the other hand, the violence of the sport seems to mirror the violent culture in which we live.”
Ruth Erickson: “There are too many injuries to limbs and heads! The very tough training and encouragement to bulk up for many athletes, even at high school, can be detrimental to the health of the players. Many professional players have huge, painful, physical problems when they retire, to arthritis of their joints, making even walking an arduous challenge. Play soccer!”
Marty Richman: “No, but I would take a very personal interest in the philosophy and quality of the coaching, the available equipment, medical support and – if he were in school – school policies and its oversight of the football program.”
Richard Place: “I would imagine the government will encourage you to discourage him by imposing a surcharge on your health plan under Obama care. Smokers are going to pay in excess of $5000 in surcharges and their talking about BMI charges for weight. Only a matter of time before it’s Pop Warner and NFL surcharges.”
