NFL’s top priority: safeguard the players

Dan LeBatard’s Oct. 4 opinion, “Tua’s injury puts NFL risks on stark display,” is the first I’ve seen that addresses prevention of concussions rather than after-the-fact “concussion protocols.”

American football is a violent sport, but with today’s awareness of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), it’s unconscionable the National Football League and the NFL Players Association haven’t taken more proactive steps to prevent injury and penalize players who go over the line.

To truly prioritize and protect players, multiple game suspensions — without pay — could significantly impact on-field conduct and reduce unnecessary roughness, such as roughing the passer or kicker, helmetto-helmet collisions, slamming players to the ground and other egregious plays that endanger everyone.

The risk is real and growing. Besides Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, there are reportedly 12 NFL players who were pulled from games last weekend for medical review and not allowed to return because of potential head injuries. This is better than continuing to play, though it’s not preemptive.

The suffering endured by retired Miami Dolphins players Nick Buoniconti, Bob Kuechenberg, Jim Kiick, Earl Morrall, Jake Scott, Bill Stanfill and so many others more recently, is instructive.

Better helmets, 15-yard penalties, game removal and rest, simply aren’t enough for the size and scale of injuries and unnecessary roughness occurring now.

Football doesn’t need to cause future deterioration and debilitation for its players and their families.

Not effectively protecting them is unacceptable to this long-time Fins fan. – Ally Easley,

Miami

MCALILEY’S LESSONS

I had the privilege of serving as Miami-Dade County Superintendent of Schools during the time Janet McAliley was on the School Board. While many dedicated individuals have also served on the board, few, if any, conducted themselves with as much elegance and integrity as she did.

McAliley’s dedication to children was unwavering and she would consistently support policy decisions based on the best interest of her beloved community over any political consideration.

She valiantly — and against powerful opposition — supported environmental issues, teaching all of us lessons that remain pertinent today. She represented the best in public service, was inclusive, displayed tolerance to all positions and defended residents’ right to express them.

I will miss her.

– Octavio Visiedo,

Coral Gables

SENIORS SHUT OUT

Coral Gables does not have a proper senior citizens center. I played bridge at Salvador Park many years ago — the only a facility for card playing. Later, it was taken away and we were moved to the Youth Center on University Drive. We were subsequently moved from there as well.

Recently, I read that Coral Gables now has a dog park. I give up.

– Peggy Vital, Coral Gables

NO ONE LISTENS

After speaking before the Miami-Dade County Commission during the public-comment period several times during the past years, I have concluded it is a waste of time. During my last experience, on Sept. 22, it was apparent that some commissioners had not paid attention to my statement, based on their questions during discussion on a zoning application. This was because many commissioners were on their cell phones, talking to staff or doing something other than listening.

Commissioners must allow public comment because it is the law, but their lack of attention is obvious.

Why should we give up a day in our busy lives to speak one or two minutes without commanding the attention of our representatives?

There needs to be a better way for people to be heard.

– Bob Weisblum, Miami

MCALILEY’S INFLUENCE

As retired journalism teachers, it is with deep sadness that we note the passing of our friend and mentor, Janet McAliley. She was instrumental in our fight for First Amendment rights in the late 1990s. She stood on the front lines with us as we fought against student press censorship by the Miami-Dade County School Board.

Her influence touched the lives of many Miami students who now hold impressive positions as journalists, attorneys and even a Supreme Court justice.

We will miss someone of her wisdom and integrity.

– Brenda Feldman, Shirley Yaskin,

Coral Gables

DAY AT THE OFFICE

In the Oct. 6 letter “Coming back,” the writer praised our governor for the wonderful job he did in Lee County in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

News flash: that’s called “doing his job.”

– Ray Koterba,

Miramar

JUSTICE VOTES

In 2010, Florida voters passed an anti-gerrymandering constitutional amendment. Early this year, however, Gov. DeSantis pushed the redistricting process for his own political gain in such a way that the Miami Herald suggested it violated the Florida Constitution.

The courts were asked to stop the violations. Eventually, the Florida Supreme Court, in a 4-1 ruling, sided with DeSantis for this year’s elections.

I’m voting to oust all these justices on the November ballot except for Jorge Labarga, who dissented. Politicians who implement unfair district boundaries are admitting they can’t win elections based only on their supposedly better ideas.

– Mike Pryslak,

Miami

HOLLOW WORDS

I am appalled by Sen. Marco Rubio’s TV ad in which he says public school teachers turn boys into girls. The writer of the Oct. 7 letter “Mindless drivel,” perfectly stated that Rubio’s words are idiotic.

Slandering teachers to gain political points is Rubio’s pathetic attempt to attack public schools and their teachers. Public schools are the embodiment of a true democracy and a social service for educating Americans.

However, Rubio is representing the wrong type of government. Perhaps he needs to represent a communist country, where his idiotic words will be appreciated.

– Mayade Ersoff,

Palmetto Bay

YEAH, THE PRESIDENT CANCELED STUDENT LOAN DEBT AND NOW HE’S PARDONING PEOPLE FOR

WEED. I THINK BIDEN’S GOING TO BE ABLE TO GET INTO ANY FRAT HE WANTS RIGHT NOW.

Jimmy Fallon