CGS Assignment Published in the New York Times
Joshua Pederson, assistant professor of humanities, gave his class the assignment of writing a letter to the editor of a major news daily, such as The New York Times, Boston Globe, or The Wall Street Journal. He also encouraged them to submit to the papers directly if they so chose. One student–Shep Hayes–had his letter published in the New York Times.
Problems at All Levels
To the Sports Editor:
Re “As Injuries Rise, Scant Oversight of Helmet Safety,” Oct. 21: I enjoy watching football. What I do not enjoy, however, are violent tackles that dominate the sport today. This article on the concussion problem in youth football reminds fans that the epidemic of barbaric hits and lax safety is a problem at all levels of the sport.
N.F.L. Commissioner Roger Goodell’s recent stand on helmet-to-helmet hits is a step in the right direction. The fines he levied send a clear message to professionals: violence is over.
Goodell also needs to be a leader to change regulations at the youth level. He could enlist the help of professional players and coaches to help educate young players and their coaches on what they can do to avoid serious injuries.
Shep Hayes
Boston