Crash Test Dummy: Using College Athletes as Concussion Test Subjects and the Dangers
In 2014, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and the National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) came together to research concussions
in college sports. The cooperative research and development agreement
(CRADA) began with the primary mission of enhancing player safety.
The study is the “CARE Consortium,” and uses college athletes amongst various sports from 30 universities as test subjects. The DoD has spent millions of dollars funding the project; however, there are still questions regarding the premise behind the CARE Consortium.
The results vary, but the belief is that the research will help understand student-athlete concussions and connect them with military risks. These are two separate environments, and even the results of the study show that the findings cannot go beyond those found within collegiate sports.
What Does This do for College Athletes?
Unfortunately, the research from this project doesn’t help much. The results seem to contradict statements made in the past. Even more so, it relies on student-athletes who suffer concussions as test subjects.
The research intends to decrease concussions in college football. There’s nothing that shows that this will be the final effect, though. The study relies on players suffering concussions for further testing. While the intention may have begun with a focus on safety measures, is that even possible?
For military service members, this test also means very little. The environments between college football and the military are non-comparable. Nothing from the research supports that using collegiate athletes as test subjects will correlate to the safety of military service members.
Would you trust the study if you were supposed to benefit?
Concussions don’t seem to be going anywhere. They remain a constant problem throughout all levels of football and sports in general. Even more concerning is the fact that some organizations are still hiding these severe injuries. The life of an athlete becomes an afterthought compared to winning and monetary gain.
At Shrader & Associates, we aim to protect your rights. Our sports concussion lawyers work with you to help you understand your rights after multiple concussions. Let us be your voice and pursue the compensation you need.