I am amazed that you would allow reporter Melissa Isaacson, who has never played contact sports, has no legal training and no coaching experience, to provide “expert” guidance to Northwestern University regarding the unfortunate death of an athlete (Tribune, Oct. 13).
Athletes are injured in every sport in which they play. Auto racers are injured or killed on a regular basis. Both activities are voluntary, and the probability of accident or injury is a function of conditioning, mental acuity, skill and luck. If the athlete (or driver) puts himself at risk with non-approved substances, he is responsible for the results.
Statistically, more young people are injured outside of sports, and a strong case could be made that sports programs not only enrich the lives of players but extend them. This society wants everyone except the individual to take responsibility. This is a very dangerous trend in a democracy.
