Concussion Inc.: The End of Football As We Know It

by Irvin Muchnick

Inside the controversial and newsworthy issue of concussions in American football ― Muchnick’s trademark no-holds-barred investigation reveals the corruption and scandals in real time Traumatic brain injury in football is not incidental, but an inevitable and central aspect of the sport. Starting in high school, through college, and into the NFL, young players face repeated head trauma, and those sustained injuries create lifelong cognitive and functional difficulties. Muchnick’s Concussion Inc. blog exposed the decades-long cover-up of scientific research into sports concussions and the ongoing denial to radically reform football in North America. This compilation from Muchnick’s no-holds-barred investigative website reveals the complete head injury story as it developed, from the doctor who played fast and loose with the facts about the efficacy of the state-mandated concussion management system for high school football players, to highly touted solutions that are more self-serving cottage industry than of any genuine benefit. Known for extensive reporting on the tragic story of the Chris Benoit murder-suicide, Muchnick turns his investigative analysis to traumatic brain injury and probes deep into the corporate, government, and media corruption that has enabled the $10-billion-a-year National Football League to trigger a public health crisis.

300 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2015

Reviews

[Cc April · Rating 5 out of 5]

So your son says he wants to play football? You say you are proud but nervous about any possible injuries he might receive. But your son, his school, the media and doctors all lead you to believe it is safe for him to play. Author Irvin Muchnick begs to differ. He tells you like it is: that it is not IF your son will receive a serious injury, but that he most assuredly WILL be receive a serious injury. Traumatic brain injury is a major part of the sport of football, and it leaves the player with life long consequences. Muchnick uncovers and exposes the truth that the government and football indusrty have tried to keep hidden.

[Koozebane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a print ARC from ECW Press as part of its Shelf Monkey program in exchange for an honest review. I am counting the book toward the #ecwchallenge as well.

Muchnick's impressive knowledge of the topic is matched by his passion for it, and the combination of his strong (righteously outraged, sometimes snarky) personal voice with his scholarly approach makes for a compelling reading experience. The arrangement of the information betrays its blog origins somewhat; this doesn't take away from the information in and of itself, but a more traditional chronology would have made things easier to follow.

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riviting & Insightful! I Loved It!