Brain trauma factor

I know, not another letter about our troubled quarterback, yet I can't help thinking that perhaps Ben Roethlisberger is a victim. Now, before you starting howling with rage, let's think about this from a medical perspective. Before the motorcycle accident, the general opinion on Ben seemed to be that he was a nice guy from a nice family. After the accident, and his subsequent on-field concussions, the stories of Ben as aloof, snarly and generally unpleasant in public started making the rounds.

I have some experience with a victim of brain trauma, and one of the things that the doctors tell you right up front is that there may be personality changes. For example, the late comedian Sam Kinison was hit by a truck when he was 3 years old and sustained brain damage. It has been reported that Sam changed from a quiet kid to a more antic personality. Sam's later addiction to drugs and erratic behavior could be traced to the trauma he suffered in this accident.

This could be the reason for Ben's mandated evaluation. If it does come out that he has sustained brain trauma that has impacted his decision making and impulse control, then he is more to be pitied than censured.

In the end, those who clamored for his removal from the team may get their wish, not because of any disciplinary action, but on the advice of doctors who fear further damage.

 

PAM DIXON
Crescent