[glennaro]

Most people in professional sports — especially “mens” professional sports — are without doubt the most frightened people in America. Many of the team owners, team managers and coaches, players and sportcasters and sportswriters in “mens” sports have allowed their emotions to transform them into nothing more than scared little b*tches. They spend nearly as much time talking about the Fauci Flu (i.e., the seasonal flu with a press agent) than they do about the sport. I really thought this would be over by now but the hysteria — particularly in “mens” professional sports — continues. I think they like it! — the hysteria, that is.

[Alberta's Child]

In defense of the leadership in these sports, I would point out that they have an enormous financial stake in the health of the athletes. The last thing any owner or GM of a professional sports franchise wants to deal with is a permanent injury or other health crisis from something completely unrelated to the sport.

This is why all of these standard pro contracts have language that prohibits the athlete from doing all kinds of "risky" things like riding motorcycles and flying private airplanes -- or even playing other sports!