BOSTON (AP) — Concussion expert Chris Nowinski says World Cup organizers missed a chance to use the tournament as a “bully pulpit” to teach soccer fans and young players around the globe about the dangers of head injuries.
Several times in the event players sustained obvious concussions but continued to play — a practice doctors agree can put them at risk of severe brain damage. In the final, Germany midfielder Christoph Kramer continued playing after colliding with Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay. Kramer later had to be helped off the field and said he couldn’t remember much from the collision.
Nowinski says he doesn’t just worry about the top professionals who are injured in the world championship. He’s also concerned about the millions who are watching who might think it’s OK to keep playing after a concussion.