Punch Drunk, a Promise of Concussion: A Look at African American Collegiate Athletes' Vested Interest in Football

The present text identifies issues within the African American collegiate football player's experience on the field after sustaining a head impact. Historically, African American athletes have had a vested interest in performing well on the football field as a means of climbing up the socio- economic ladder. The nature of the athletes' sport makes them vulnerable to low-grade and high- grade head injuries. These individuals then become quick to weigh the options and accept the risks that come with the injuries. Some African American footballers come from lower income backgrounds; and, as such, they have been socialized to utilize sport as a means to gain higher socioeconomic and social status. Only, some head injuries cause greater underlying damage, which makes it more difficult for the individuals to overcome the challenges of gaining a higher status. These physiological damages incurred by the brain may later manifest themselves as psychological disorders or neurodegenerative disorders, including Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. Such incidences correlate with the drift hypothesis, where the athletes' injuries prevent them from gaining ground from the socioeconomic standpoint. It is recommended that education on head impacts be implemented at a younger age in schools. Clinicians should focus their treatment plans on objective measures and implement the guidelines and protocols that have already been instated within the leagues. Athletes must advocate for their own health and well-being, just as they do for their advancement on the field. Furthermore, there should be separation between clinician, team, and business; and, all teams should enforce all regulations for safety.