Uncovered

Some NFL fans already know the name Bennet Omalu and its significance relating to football. Many don’t. Soon, many more will.

All should.

Omalu is the Nigerian doctor who discovered chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) while conducting the autopsy of Pittsburgh Steelers great Mike Webster. It was a landmark scientific finding, linking head trauma associated in football to serious brain damage leading to illnesses and death.

On Monday, a trailer for a film to be released starring Will Smith as Omalu debuted. Now, the reporting alleging the NFL of trying to cover up Omalu’s findings and discredit him will hit the big screen and much wider audiences.

Punahou, USC and New England Patriots running back Mosi Tatupu, who died in 2010 at age 54, was also found to have suffered from CTE.

In January, Linnea Garcia-Tatupu went public with her husband’s suffering in the years leading to his death, and that some of his brain tissue had recently been diagnosed with CTE. She wrote this on social media Monday:

The people responsible for bringing this information to light are right in doing so. It is not up for discussion as to “what did people think would happen” if you play. What was needed was proactive protocol for treatment of head injuries YEARS ago. AND IT WAS NOT ADDRESSED… IT WAS COVERED UP. That is why I chose to speak out. “Change one thing, change everything.” The fallout and aftermath have been interesting.
NOW information regarding the here, now AND later possible ramifications is available TO EVERYONE. The director had a very concise statement re: Informed vs NOT informed. I have done far more research than I ever would have imagined as a result of the experiences I have encountered. My ONLY interest is that people make INFORMED choices. I cannot, nor will I make choices for them. This is a personal decision everyone needs to make for their own reasons. Best of health to all.