#105
Concussed: Sam Peters Unveils Rugby’s Uncomfortable Truths
Sam Peters is a former national newspaper reporter credited with driving a cultural change in sport’s attitude towards brain injuries and concussions. Between 2013 and 2017, Sam was the driving force behind the Mail on Sunday’s concussion in rugby campaign and was subsequently short-listed as sports journalist of the year at the 2014 UK Press Gazette Awards. Sam’s exclusive report in 2014 also revealed the FA’s failure to deliver promised research into the link between heading footballs and dementia following the death of a former England player
In his 2023 book, ‘Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth’, winner of the Best Sports Writing Award, Sam recounts the untold story of the most influential sports campaign in British newspaper history, asking how rugby and other sports can save themselves from the vested interests which threaten not just players’ livelihoods but the very existence of the sports themselves.
Summary
1:38 The shift from being a sports reporter to being an advocate for athlete safety
- Focus on concussion issues since 2012 – 2013.
- Identified as a campaigning journalist by 2015.
03:05 The immediate and long-term impacts of concussions on the brain
- Variability in effects and lack of a consistent definition.
- Genetic factors influencing long-term effects.
- Handling of concussion narratives by sports organizations.
- Effects on player welfare and commercial landscape.
- It’s anything from lack of consciousness to a loss of consciousness, although that only happens in less than 10% of cases.
- Symptoms such as what’s called tonic posturing, lack of balance, sensitivity to light, nausea, sensitivity to sound
- The term ‘concussion’ wasn’t really defined in sports until early part of 2000
08:15 How prevalent are concussions in women’s sports, and why do they seem to be more prone to them than men?
- Evidence suggests women may be more prone to concussions owing to factors like neck strength and skull physiology.
- There is a significant lack of research on female sports injuries despite the growing popularity of women’s sports.
- There is a nee for increased research efforts to better understand and address these issues.
12:30 How have sports like the NFL and rugby been handling concussions lately?
- The NFL has minimised contact during training after being sued, which could serve as a model for rugby.
- Rugby training still causes injuries despite protocols meant to reduce contact; education is emphasised, but more transparency is needed.
- Learning from the strict post-injury protocols in sports like boxing and martial arts.
19:45 On the ethics of sports medicine, with specific reference to the ‘Bloodgate’ scandal
- The “Bloodgate” scandal was where a doctor intentionally injured a player to simulate an injury, revealing ethical compromises. The incident showcased the tension between a physician’s medical responsibilities and the pressures exerted in the sports environment.
- The impact of cultural issues in sports where winning at all costs can lead to unethical behaviour, even among well-intentioned individuals.
25:12 What are the impacts of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) in sports, and how can authorities better educate players about its risks?
- Educating players and authorities about CTE risks is crucial, regardless of players’ willingness to acknowledge them.
- Authorities should communicate honestly about head injury threats.
- There’s an emphasis on educating school-level players, seen as more advanced due to schools’ inherent responsibilities.
33:20 Reporting on rugby with advocating for player safety, and the sorts of challenges encountered
- Peters transitioned from being a sports reporter to a safety advocate around 2012-2013 and was recognised for his campaign by 2015.
- Concussion impacts vary, and the lack of a consistent definition complicates management.
- Genetic factors could influence the severity of the long-term effects of head trauma.
- Personal stories like Ben Robinson’s death and Mike Webster’s suicide are highlighted to show the severe consequences of repeated head injuries.
41:55 The resistance in advocating for safer rugby practices
- Despite encountering opposition, Peters is committed to player welfare, inspired by affected sportspeople.
- He has experienced isolation and was considered a pariah for challenging governing bodies on issues, especially around concussions.
- Peters acknowledges progress in safety practices but notes ongoing resistance, which he feels is diminishing.
- His goal is to make rugby safer, not ban it, advocating for informed choice and risk tolerance in contact sports.
50:10 Thoughts on recent initiatives in England to reduce contact in youth rugby
- Sam Peters views these initiatives, like promoting touch rugby, as a step forward for player safety.
- Such measures could enhance rugby’s appeal and inclusivity.
- Efforts are seen as part of broader movements to address concussion narratives and ensure long-term athlete welfare.
56:35 What key insights should listeners take away about the importance of addressing concussions in sports?
- We need honest conversations about the risks of contact sports, especially repeated brain trauma and its long-term effects.
- Balance commercial interests with player welfare.
- There’s a need to adopt longer mandatory stand-downs after concussions for sustainable long-term engagement in rugby and other sports.
Links mentioned:
Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth by Sam Peters
Engage: The Fall and Rise of Matt Hampson by Paul Kimmage
