Concussion Discussion Continues, To Play or Not to Play

When Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker went out of last week's game with a concussion --his third in just 10 months - we wondered if it was the beginning of the end for Welker's great NFL career. And, a lot of parents were again struggling with whether or not to allow their kids to play football.

Football is a violent sport - at all levels. Injuries - and concussions - are going to happen no matter what precautions may be taken. There is risk involved when you engage in any sports - and just about any type of physical activity. It's a risk that football players gladly take --because they love the game -- and for some, because football is their financial livelihood.

The long-term effects of multiple concussions are just now being discovered. And with kids starting to play tackle football - complete with helmet and pads --earlier than ever -- football athletes put their bodies through an awful lot of abuse as they go on to Junior High, High School, college and for some - on to the pros.

And, so just as Wes Welker has to make a decision about his future as a football player --and whether he wants to risk further injury, and perhaps permanent damage by continuing to play, parents have to decide whether their kids are going to play football, or choose some other form of physical activity and competition.

There are no easy answers -and the answer is not going to be the same for everyone. But, each parent has to make their own decision, by weighing the risks, rewards, and consequences of that decision.