Football Too Violent for High School? Some say Yes

Is football too violent for high school?  Some critics think so.

Last year alone, 13 youths died.  Each year, about 20,000 injuries occur in high school football, with 2,400 of them disabling victims permanently.  What may be most concerning is that 70,000 of these injure the head or neck, leading to speculation that helmets used in football are not up to par.

Pete Stenhoff knows about football injuries.  He was a physically fit, 210-point linebacker for Chula Vista High School when he planted his helmet in the chest of a ball carrier two years ago.  He hasn’t walked since.

Medics that night rushed Stenhoff to the hospital, where he learned he had cracked vertebrae

Many critics blame the helmet for these injuries; however, many people simply think that football at the high school level is too dangerous, and that the risks outweigh the rewards.

Stenhoff lost nearly 40 pounds and was unable to graduate with his classmates.  He is taking courses in hopes of graduating soon.  After all he has endured, he is not bitter.

“I knew the risks involved when I decided to play football, but I wish I would have known just how bad it could be.”


In response to injuries such as this, youths are becoming more informed about concussions and injuries of this nature, EA Sports' Madden NFL video game leading the way.

Dr. David Samadi discusses concussions in Youth Sports 

Jordan Brand Speeds into NASCAR



Denny Hamlin becomes the first NASCAR to don the iconic "Jumpman" logo

While the Air Jordan brand has been soaring in the world of basketball since 1985, the brand is about to take itself up a gear and to a new game -- NASCAR.

NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin inked a deal this month with Nike’s Michael Jordan brand, making him the sole driver on the racing circuit to don the iconic “jumpman” logo. 

The Air Jordan logo will appear on Hamlin’s NASCAR racing suit, gloves, and shoes, just as it does for other superstar athletes that endorse the brand. 

By signing with Jordan, Hamlin joins up with basketball stars Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwayne Wade among many who sport the Air Jordan emblem, something Hamlin is very excited about.

"It's a big deal for myself and really NASCAR," Hamlin said the weekend before the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.

“The Jordan Brand has never been in NASCAR before,” Hamlin added.  “It is a dream come true for me. To me the Jordan Brand represents excellence in sports."

Hamlin, who finished second in the Sprint Cup to 5-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson, and Jordan became acquainted with each other last year after the basketball legend and 6-time NBA champion bought the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats.  It was not until recently, however, that Hamlin discovered that the NBA Hall of Famer had an interest in racing and motorsports.

"He always talked to me last year about how the race went, because he watched the races," Hamlin said. "I never knew he really kept track of racing that much until I dug a little deeper and found he's had his motorcycle team since 2004.

"He's always been an avid motorsports fan. He just never knew the right situation to get into NASCAR, and he felt like I was the right representative for him."

Jordan, who endorses Gatorade and Hanes, is looking forward to the partnership with the NASCAR star.

"Denny's confidence and passion for racing along with his determination for excellence on the track make him a valuable addition to the Jordan Brand. We look forward to working with Denny as he continues to take his success to the next level."

Hamlin hopes that his connection with the Jordan brand and other superstars in other sports can broaden the horizon of fans of other sports such as basketball and baseball.

Both parties are looking to take their game to a new speed.


I this Chris Myers interview, Hamlin
discusses the deal with Air Jordan