Premature death in NFL players

I can't say that this surprises me, and it certainly raises questions about what to do as a society. If we are sure that this is accurate information, and is strictly related to weight (or BMI), should the NFL set up guidelines on maximum weight based on height? If it doesn't, should Congress (heaven forbid!)? This brings up the question of what is appropriate intervention and what is nanny-state hectoring. We have plenty of the latter, but I am not so sure that this is just a nanny-state, do-gooder matter.

I think that Greg Aiello needs to shut up - he should take his cue from Paul Tagliabue and say something considerably less dismissive. Also, the league needs to take a long, hard look at supplements (including, but not limited to, steroids) that contribute to the large size of the linemen.

Thanks to Dan Gray for the link (via e-mail); here's hoping Big Dan will start blogging again soon.