Gung-ho parents must smarten up

Media has issues with concussions, as well

Not everybody has got the message that concussions are serious, and that repeat concussions can kill.

Gung-ho parents have to smarten up. Some in the media too.

So, said Gord Stringer on Tuesday in Toronto. His 17-year-old daughter Rowan died four years ago after suffering two rugby concussions in the same week.

“We’ve got to try to get everybody on the same page,” Stringer said at a news conference to launch the Team Up Speak Up concussioneducation campaign. “I’ve heard a lot of stories from doctors. They ’ve seen kids and it’s the parents who are like, ‘Oh, he’s got a tournament next weekend. He’s got to play in the tournament.’ No, he can’t play in the tournament. You’ve got to get your head wrapped around the fact that a potential lifetime of debilitation is not worth that tournament next weekend.”

Stringer said he was particularly appalled at what two TV announcers said in the spring after a headhit NHL goalie quickly stumbled to his feet during a playoff game.

“I remember distinctly the broadcasters talking about, ‘Oh look, he’s trying to make sure he doesn’t look like he got hit that hard. But, that was a pretty big hit, and he’s a big hero for staying in there and trying to cover up his symptoms.’

“That’s like the worst message you could possibly give on a national broadcast for our national team sport. So I think there needs to be a bit of a change there as well, to stop glorifying the guy who played through his injuries and highlight that that’s not necessarily a good thing to do.”