Imjury Update: Concussions Hit Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State, Buffs’ Tyler Hansen
Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon went out of the game against Missouri October 22 with what were described as “concussion- like” symptoms and while further tests will be coming, the next day there was already speculation that he would be back for the game with Baylor October 29.
There is no standard across college football when it comes to reporting injuries, but comments made by Oklahoma State‘s head coach Mike Gundy the day after the injury do shed some light on attitudes regarding concussions that are often too lax and can result in another injury and even post-concussion syndrome.
“I expect him to be fine,” Gundy said Sunday night. “They haven’t done all those test and things that they do – that takes place (Monday). But he (was) over here (Sunday) walking around and he (looked) normal to me.”
Perhaps, Gundy was just trying to sound positive, but everything “looking normal” to the untrained eye has been shown to be a failed standard in concussion assessment. The insistence to get back into the game, either from the coaching staff or players themselves, has lead to repeat concussions and long recoveries from post-concussion syndrome when a little more time off could have prevented them.
Concussion symptoms need to be taken seriously
The NCAA has developed a program designed to help staff recognize concussion symptoms and outlines some protocols for dealing with them, but it still leaves much to the individual schools to decide. The NCAA has been sued over their concussion policies for failing to protect players.
Many fans chided the players for suing, noting that football is a voluntary sport. But if you’re a student on scholarship and your coach is saying get out and play, your choices aren’t that easy. The players themselves can’t be counted on to make the right decision after a concussion either. It’s incumbent on the NCAA to enforce strict guidelines.
Tyler Hansen concussion
The Colorado Buffaloes quarterback suffered a concussion in the Buffs’ 45-2 loss to the Oregon Ducks October 22. He was sliding on a play and was hit, but went back into the game. A few plays later he came out when it became clear something was wrong. A situation like that points to the need to recognize symptoms early. If Hansen had suffered a hit to the head right after the first injury, the result could have been a much more serious injury.
The fact that the Buffaloes have no chance for a winning season and the Oklahoma State Cowboys are undefeated and ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll shouldn’t be factors in the decision making process about when to bring them back, but they probably will.
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