this post was submitted on 04 Dec 2025
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[–] stickly@lemmy.world 41 points 1 day ago (3 children)

I have a groundbreaking theory about prolonged playing of contact sports, traumatic brain injury, and far right politics... You generally don't hear these headlines about tennis/soccer players, or nearly as often about basketball/baseball players.

As someone who enjoys American football and hockey, it's a damn shame that we still paint athletes as role models.

[–] Glide@lemmy.ca 14 points 18 hours ago (2 children)

I know it's funny to insinuate that brain damage caused people to become conservatives, but I think we should accept that the culture around aggressive, full-contact sports tends to be conservative to start with. Surround yourself with that culture day-in, day-out, and before long you find yourself ingrained in more than just their favorite sports.

But I mean, that doesn't mean it's not the brain damage. A thing can be more than one thing.

[–] Lemmyoutofhere@lemmy.ca 6 points 16 hours ago

Just look at Fetterman. Had a stroke, and he’s now conservative.

[–] stickly@lemmy.world 5 points 16 hours ago

That's true, it's a combination of factors. A big part is the insular nature of the team and coaching as you go higher up the ladder. If you're not thanking God in your post-win interview you're a "locker room problem"; if you want a coaching job after you retire you've gotta be on good terms with the good ol' boys network.

I do think that the brain damage does compound heavily though. I know Mormons who get out and become well adjusted people later in life; the semi-pro football players I know get more irrational and violent as the CTE sets in.

[–] Ougie@lemmy.world 13 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Football (soccer as you call it) is so underrated in this respect it's not even funny, heading the ball is extremely dangerous for the brain in the long term. Not to mention head clashes in challenges etc. Granted, most injuries are in the lower limbs but still.

[–] SaveTheTuaHawk@lemmy.ca 4 points 18 hours ago

Footballers have a much high chance of developing and dying from ALS.

[–] Medic8teMe@lemmy.ca 4 points 20 hours ago* (last edited 20 hours ago)

Basketball as well. Elbows inside are real and thumping opponents is normal.

[–] DragonTypeWyvern@midwest.social 3 points 22 hours ago

As opposed to victims of the never ending human thirst for blood sports