Davis takes health break
LOS ANGELES: San Francisco 49ers star Anthony Davis announced he was taking a prolonged break from the sport for health reasons on Friday, reigniting debate about concussion in the NFL.
The talented 25-year-old offensive tackle said he planned to take a “year or so” off to allow his “brain and body” time to heal.
The announcement comes just months after another 49ers star, 24-year-old Chris Borland, walked away from a lucrative multimillion-dollar contract citing fears over the long-term impact of head trauma.
“After a few years of thought, I’ve decided it will be best for me to take a year or so away from the NFL,” Davis said in a statement.
“This will be a time for me to allow my brain and body a chance to heal. I know many won’t understand my decision, that’s OK.
“I hope you too have the courage to live your life how you planned it when day dreaming to yourself growing up.
Davis started every game of his first four NFL seasons, but missed nine games last year because of injuries, including a concussion in a Nov. 16 game that left him with lingering symptoms.
He tweeted lightheartedly about the injury after the game in which he took an elbow to the head, saying: “I’m officially an NFL player now.”
But as symptoms remained in December he told the San Jose Mercury News that it was “scary when your brain is not working how it’s supposed to”.
Davis’s announcement comes against a backdrop of concern over concussion risks in the NFL.
A federal judge in April approved a settlement between the NFL and thousands of ex-players who sued the league over concussions.
Earlier this year, Borland, a 24-year-old who led the 49ers in tackles as a rookie last season, turned his back on a four-year deal worth nearly US$3 million because of worry over long-term impact of head trauma.
“From what I’ve researched and what I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth the risk,” said Borland.
Upon Borland’s decision to depart the game just as his career was taking off, NFL senior vice president of health and safety Jeff Miller said the league was getting safer all the time.
“By any measure, football has never been safer,” Miller said in March.