[Husker] Montee Ball

[Nick Chevance]

I made a comment on another thread concerning Montee Ball and his
concussions.  I said that I didn't advocate intentionally hurting a player,
that I have respect for Mr. Ball and his talent.  I also said that he plays
for the wrong team, and that I'd prefer to see him sitting on the bench.

Another on this list apparently took offense at my comments and sent me a
personal note.  Called me one of the bad Huskers.  I won't post it here
because I think that's bad form.  But I will defend what I said.

He was dinged hard on the fumble, then hit hard again in the endzone on his
TD.  You could clearly see him on his knees and you could tell he wasn't
right.  They did take his helmet away and he sat the rest of the game on
the bench.  He has now received* medical clearance to play*.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8433354/wisconsin-badgers-montee-ball-cleared-play-vs-nebraska-cornhuskers

Personally, I think that's unfortunate for him, but the team physician
believes he can play without further damage.  My point was that we should
test the hypothesis that he's ready to play by hitting him as often and as
hard as we can within the rules of the game.  This is football; this isn't
a tea party.  We aren't going to give him a pass because he may be
injured.  To me, if he's been cleared to play, we should treat him as we
should any other Wisconsin player who tries to come across that line with
the ball.  I'm not wishing for him to be injured.  I was hoping he would
sit out the game, but if he insists on playing, then treat him as politely
as possible while knocking him down to the ground  -  repeatedly.

Sorry to belabor the point.  I didn't think it was necessary.

Nick
-- 
"In politics stupidity is not a handicap."
Napoleon Bonaparte