I wont amuse myself that way.You and I, both. And the denial here shown by some is disturbing.
That said, I'd be at least as worried about the effect of playing football on the developing brain.
I don't care one way or the other about pro sports but it is not denial. No one held a gun to the head of any football player and compelled them to play. They are not slaves as were many of the gladiators. They are adults and signed on for the conditions of the contract. The problems they have later are their problems not the rest of us. They are compensated at a high level for the risks they incur and if they lack the sense or foresight to prepare to deal with these issues it is their problem pure and simple. If free men wished to engage in gladiatorial combat I would have no objection. It is their lives to risk and no one elses concern.