Expert: Thom Brooks - 10/26/2008

Question
My wife wants to know--- and so do I---   why are football players allowed to wear long hair??  Isn't this a safety hazard---  even with helmets?? Has it even caused a problem of any kind?

Thanks,
Joe

Answer
Joe,

I strongly disagree with the NFL, NCAA and high schools allowing hair to be outside the helmet.  If a player wants to make a statement, he needs to do it from the stands as a fan and get off the field.  I'm waiting on someone to lose a finger or hand, tangled in that hair.  I respect anyone who feels the need to wear their hair that way, but would insist that the player either cut it, or keep it under the helmet, if he wanted to play.  I'm not one to tolerate a player trying to be different than the rest of the team.  I don't like showboats, regardless of their skill.  I coach a men's baseball team and we just won our League Championship this year, our 3rd in 4 years.  So, I'm hopeful many successful coaches would agree with my attitudes about having the same standards.  I understand tradition and Diversity.  Those that want to change the standards of a game have the right to push the window until someone with Leadership steps up and advises that American Baseball and American Football was doing just fine before they suited up and we will somehow survive without them.  

Your wife hit on a Pet Peeve of mine.  

Have a great week!

Thom Brooks



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