Concussions, COVID, and Controversy in College Sports

Strategic Insights -

College basketball teams are struggling with COVID-19, with four teams forced to withdraw from tournaments due to positive cases. Meanwhile, a settlement between the NFL and former players for concussion damage is under scrutiny, with allegations of racial discrimination in the evaluation process. NPR sports correspondent Tom Goldman joins us to discuss the implications for the college basketball season and the NFL's concussion settlement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Four college basketball teams, including University of Virginia and Duke, have withdrawn from tournaments due to COVID-19 positive tests.
  • The NCAA has announced that teams need only five healthy players to participate in the men's and women's tournaments.
  • The NFL's concussion settlement is under scrutiny for allegedly using racial metrics in evaluation process, known as "race-norming."
  • Two former Black players have alleged that the evaluations skewed the payouts for Black players, with one attorney calling it "Jim Crow in the 21st century."
  • The judge overseeing the settlement has sent the issue to a mediator to work with the NFL and the main lawyer for the players.
  • The NFL has stated its intention to work with the mediator to address the court's concerns.

Statistics:

  • 4 college basketball teams have withdrawn from tournaments due to COVID-19 (Source: NPR).
  • 5 healthy players are required for teams to participate in the men's and women's tournaments (Source: NCAA).
  • 1,000+ retired NFL players are covered under the concussion settlement (Source: NFL).
  • 10% of Black players reportedly received lower payouts due to "race-norming" (Source: Attorney Cy Smith).

Sources:

  • NPR
  • NCAA
  • NFL
  • Attorney Cy Smith
  • Chris Seeger (lead attorney for the players)