Developing: Bridge Collapses Near Seattle…Unknown Injuries…See the Photos

Watch Today’s BlazeCast With Your Questions, Comments & Live Chat!

Sports

NFL Players React to Obama’s Comments About Violence & Football: ‘I Am With Obama’

Jan. 29, 2013 7:06am Billy Hallowell

NEW ORLEANS (TheBlaze/AP) — Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs respects and understands President Barack Obama’s opinion about the dangers of football — and hesitation about having a child play.

The hard-hitting 2011 Defensive Player of the Year also says that no matter how violent the sport, his 4-year-old son will be allowed to take it up if he wants.

“It would have to be his choice,” Suggs said Monday. “Football isn’t for everybody. If my son … came to me and said, `Dad, I want to play football,’ then I would let him play.”

Terrell Suggs, Ed Reed & Other NFL Players Respond to Obama on Football & Violence

Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after defeating the New England Patriots in the 2013 AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium on January 20, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New England Patriots 28-13. Credit: Getty Images

The president’s thoughts about the future of the NFL — and whether he’d let a son play football – were a main topic of conversation as Super Bowl week got under way. So much so that when San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Alex Boone stepped away from his interview session, he asked someone, “What’s up with all this Obama (stuff)?”

Here’s what’s up: In an interview with The New Republic, the newly inaugurated president expressed what many other parents might be thinking following new studies about concussions and recent suicides by former NFL players.

“I’m a big football fan, but I have to tell you, if I had a son, I’d have to think long and hard before I let him play football,” Obama said.

“I think that those of us who love the sport are going to have to wrestle with the fact that it will probably change gradually to try to reduce some of the violence,” he added. “In some cases, that may make it a little bit less exciting, but it will be a whole lot better for the players, and those of us who are fans maybe won’t have to examine our consciences quite as much.”

Ravens safety Ed Reed, for one, agreed with the sentiment.

Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed dances during NFL football practice at the team’s traning facility in Owings Mills, Md., Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013. The Ravens are scheduled to face the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans on Sunday, Feb. 3. Credit: AP

“I am with Obama,” Reed said. “I have a son. I am not forcing football on my son. If he wants to play it … I can’t make decisions for him. All I can do is say, `Son, I played it so you don’t have to.’”

Reed, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection in his 11 NFL seasons, thinks there needs to be improvements within the league.

“We’ve got some leaks in it that need to be worked out,” Reed said. “Every medical training room should be upgraded; training rooms can be a lot better.”

And as he noted: “When you’ve got the president talking about it, you got something.”

Reed isn’t sure everyone is being trained properly or cared for adequately.

“I felt like I played the game as safe as possible,” he said. “I even tell the guys that they have to take care of their bodies, take care of themselves. If you take care of that, it will take care of you.”

U.S. President Barack Obama meets with representatives from the Major Cities Chiefs Association and Major Counties Sheriffs Association to discuss the Administration’s plans to reduce gun violence in America at the White House January 28, 2013 in Washington, DC. President Obama called on Congress to act on passing laws that restrict access to assault weapons. Credit: Getty Images

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health announced recently that Junior Seau – the star linebacker who died of a self-inflicted gunshot last year – had a degenerative brain disease often linked to repeated blows to the head.

Seau is one of several dozen football players who were found to have chronic traumatic ecephalopathy, or CTE.

The NFL is facing lawsuits brought by thousands of former players who say the league withheld information on the harmful effects of concussions.

Players who were asked Monday about Obama’s comments tended to side with Ravens center Matt Birk, who did not hesitate before saying: “I have three sons, and once they get to a certain age, if they want to play football, I would let them.”

San Francisco’s Boone doesn’t see how there is a lot of room for the game itself to change.

“There’s going to be injuries and there’s going to be problems,” Boone said, “but we’re working on trying to prevent them.”

As TheBlaze noted on Monday, his coach, Jim Harbaugh, responded to the president’s remarks in a lighter vein. Harbaugh, who played quarterback in the NFL for 14 seasons, mentioned his own child.

“Well, I have a 4-month-old – almost, soon-to-be 5-month-old – son, Jack Harbaugh, and if President Obama feels that way, then (there will) be a little less competition for Jack Harbaugh when he gets older,” San Francisco’s coach said with a chuckle. “That’s the first thing that jumps into my mind, if other parents are thinking that way.”

–

Related:

Benghazi, IRS, AP...What's next? Only TheBlaze TV offers the truth from Glenn Beck, Andrew Wilkow, and Real News from TheBlaze. Get instant access and a free trial here.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (34)

Thundergod
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 12:42pm
Reed says he’d tell his son “I played football so you dont have to”. what a crock of shiite. He played football to get women and his college scholarship for playing a kids game,cuz he couldnt get there on his intelligence apparently. No one put a gun to his head. He talks as if his sons only opportunity in life is to play football,with all the entitlements bestowed on him based on skin color,that others dont receive. My grandfather told my dad that he fought WWII so his only son wouldnt have to go to war,when he was drafted to go to Vietnam. Neither of those men had a choice,you privileged moron.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Thundergod
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 12:23pm
I like football and all,but the truth of the matter is these guys are over payed to play a childs sport most of them have been playing since they were children,which kept most of them off the streets and out of their back up careers as professional criminals and gangbangers and inmates. They knew the risks. I feel no sympathy for the neanderthals. live by the sword,die by the sword. Dont whine about it now,that there are consequences for your actions and its time to pay the piper. Dont hear boxers whining like a bunch of girls,they accept the consequences of stepping in the ring.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
ILUVPORK
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:51am
I agree with the president on this one! The players are way over paid, and it should be done away with.Too much bum slapping too!It also causes obesity with all the superbowl partieres overeating pizzas, and chicken wings.We need to have a non violent sport like maybe they should all play ring around the rosie,pocket full of posies.How about a reality show ,showing the players crying over loss of wages and unemplyment and the fall from greatness.I have a solution how about bigger head gear or flag football………….Sincerely ,Michelle

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
tckid17
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 11:32am
Looking forward to a watered down touch football leagure with politically correct football team names.(not!)

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
tothepoint
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:43am
Obama talks a good game but that is all it is – talk.
He has no idea what he would do if he had a son. None. That is unknowable to anyone.
His childish continuation of this “imaginary son” is not only sophomoric, it shows his lack of ingenuity.
Someone, anyone, help this President gain some thought processes.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
FiscalBill
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 10:37am
“Son, I played it so you don’t have to.”

Sanctimonious drivel.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
hauschild
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:51am
I long for the good old days when complete idiots knew their lots in life and didn’t do many things to self-promote their stupidity.

I’m really shocked at how utterly and absolutely idiotic these people are, and they’re out their championing their idiocy – proud as hell of it.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
SquidVetOhio
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:42am
Anybody else sick of hearing about Obama’s imaginary son? I wonder if he would date Manti Teo’s girlfriend.

Note to the Preezy: If you had a son, he would be genetically doomed to be a freaking pansy and could never play football anyways.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- PA PATRIOT
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:52am
  New bumper sticker
  “My honor student. football player can kick POTUS’s imaginary sons ****”
  
  oops, I bet this is “reported”
  
  Report this comment
Kisses6350
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:27am
Ignorance is Bliss, and there are some extremly happy folks fonting today………..***Smirks***

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- SquidVetOhio
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:44am
  I don’t think anyone with the screen name of “KISSES6350″ is in anyway qualified to comment on anything concerning football.
  
  Wait, is this the gay linebacker from the Ravens?
  
  Report this comment
Popp40
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:20am
They are doing all they can to change football, an American icon. It’s funny these studies never look at the effects that the drugs many of these guys are on (steriods and anti-depresants) and what effects they may have. Plus, let’s look at their economical status…many of these players are broke when they retire. I’m not saying they are killing themselves because they are broke but when you are dealing with issues such as this you need to look at all variables. When you only look at one variable it proves that you have an agenda.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
PA PATRIOT
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 8:53am
I wonder what would happen if the NFL players salaries were reduced to that of middle class Americans. They would lose their HERO status immediately, POTUS would not notice or care, and there would be no issue.

2 cents more & who gives a rats ****.
Be Presidential

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
RIGHTHOOK
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 8:44am
These NFL, Union Members/players that are quoted are in the tank for their King. Ed Reed is one of the most blatant cheap hit artists in today’s NFL and he plays for a team that condones it. Ray Lewis (gangster/criminal) was penalized in the last game against New England for a helmet to helmet intentional hit. These guys are praising whatever their King spews even if they don’t agree. So flag football it is in the NFL.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Eastinfection
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 8:13am
OBAMA : “…if I had a son, I’d have to think long and hard before I let him play football.”

What a sexist pig!
You have two daughters, Mr. POTUS!
It’s awfully exclusionary and presumptuous of you to assume neither of them will want to play football!
They could very well end up with a line-backer’s build (ala Mrs. POTUS)…
Stop your “War On Women” already!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
SpankDaMonkey
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 7:52am
.
The NFL = NegroFootballLeague……..We need more diversity aka more white players…….

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Eastinfection
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 8:15am
  I think the demographics in football are just fine.
  Does the NHL need more blacks?
  
  Report this comment
- 13th Imam
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 8:46am
  Seems EVERY job classification should have exactly the percentage of us citizens . Short, Obese, Black, White, Yellow, Red, Gay, Bi, Tranny, Parapalegic, Autistic, Comatose, Male, Female, Blind, Hammer toed, Government Worker, Left Handed, Hockey Players, Football Players, B-Ball Players. AA (Affirmative Action) should not just apply to the other AA (American Africans)
  
  Report this comment
- Eastinfection
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 8:55am
  lol 13th…
  
  What we really need is more dwarf- transgender- Eskimo gangsta rappers!
  Only then will we have equality!
  
  Report this comment
- Kisses6350
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:10am
  Try out then, Monkey! ***Smirks***
  
  Report this comment
- 13th Imam
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 9:20am
  They should play football games and hockey games in those Fat Suits they have at parties. Now that would be entertaining. And I forgot 75 year old grannys. And don’t keep score, so nobody will win. And since they want to be in a union, they should all make union wages , 20.00/Hr sounds fair. less the 20% for their union elite leaders( so they can donate it to Barry’s DEMOCRAT Party)
  
  Welcome to the Nonsensical Fairy League
  
  Report this comment
Living In NYC
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 7:48am
Does the Boy King have to interject his his beliefs on everything American. Next it will be tennis balls for Major League Baseball.

The Boy King killed more brain cells with his use of crack, coke, weed and probably meth than pro players playing sports! But, what the heck let’s legalized drugs and shut down pro football….Total CLOWN!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
toiletclogga
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 7:37am
Ed Reed says, “I played football so you don’t have to.”

WTF–Ed Reed played football because he liked playing football. He went on to play at Miami because he excelled at playing football. If he did not excel at playing football, does anybody for one moment believe he would not be pushing a broom, or unemployed at present? Give us a break Ed Reed. Football at the professional level pays well, and enables people who don’t have much to offer in life an opportunity of a lifetime to provide for multiple generations of their families, and to get their families out of hopeless situations. Maybe Ed Reed ought to demonstrate a gratitude to those who allowed him a way out of his impoverished life via capitalization of his talent!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
phil1765
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 7:37am
You would think with everything going on in this country a freaking reporter could find something to ask the president of the United States about other than football, which our first female president knows nothing about. Moochelle played more football than oblunder choom in chief.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- DougHuffman
  Posted on January 29, 2013 at 7:56am
  Good. “Choom chief” Lord of Flies, Lord of Lies
  
  Report this comment
biohazard23
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 7:34am
Don’t you feel better now that dear leader has decreed we need make the game safer and “less exciting”? Don’t you feel the need to assuage the slightest bit of guilt and shame you must certainly feel while watching these grown men, who have made the conscious decision to play this sport, batter themselves silly over a ball? You don’t??? WTH is wrong with you people???? LOL!!!

Well, dear leader, who received participation trophies all his life, has spoken from on high while wearing his mom jeans. There goes the NFL…

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
ForMyKidsVA
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 7:33am
If football is so dangerous and the players are too dumb to know that constantly injuring your head is a bad thing, then we should scrap the game. We could substitute pro-dodgeball instead. Oh wait, that’s too dangerous too. Perhaps badminton? No, encourages violence against little birdies. Sumo? Nah…it would encourage obesity. I know! Egg/spoon relay races! What? That would make the vegans mad?

How about we just realize that contact sports have physical reprecussions and not complain when the person who chooses to participate ends up permanately injured? It’s like smokers. They inhaled nasty chemicals for years and then were shocked, SHOCKED! I tell ya, to find out cigarettes are dangerous. Can’t wait for all the legalized marijuana lawsuits in a decade.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
NOBALONEY
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 7:29am
“I am with ObaMao!” Demented NFL millionaires.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
BehindBlueEyes
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 7:25am
Who cares what the commie in chief says about football. It’s just more useless information from the mind of a Chi-town muslim communist.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Ducky657
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 7:23am
Ed Reed took the words of someone who knows virtually nothing about the game and agreed with him. Then went on to spit out a diatribe about training rooms and etc–training rooms–really ED? King Barry said this stupidity for one reason–to keep his narcissistic a@$ in the news for something besides “it’s my way or the highway”. Reed has obviously had too many hits to the head to even understand what the King was saying. Harbaugh had the right idea about Ms Obama’s remarks.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 7:22am
Rush called this some time back saying that the Democrats will seek to destroy football, an American tradition, and demonize it completely.

Recall the Obama’s declaring we must change our culture, holidays, symbols and TRADITIONS.

Football is All-American.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
ExO
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 7:20am
I mean honestly and I know all logic is lost on these wing nuts but I have to say it….
Ovmit really must have other issues to worry about beside’s football. I really do not think football is of any importance to the government.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
DougHuffman
Posted on January 29, 2013 at 7:09am
More good evidence of the effects of chronic head trauma. Gun regulation is as effective as regulation of cocaine and heroin, all malum prohibidum. MOLON LABE Lord of Lies, Lord of Flies Obama

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.