The comparison seems quite obvious on the surface between the NFL and NHL players affected by repetitive head injuries during their careers ("Deal is reached in NHL lawsuit," Nov. 13). However, the settlements are remarkably different, at least on the surface. NFL revenues were $13 billion, and up to 6,000 players settled for $765 million, while NHL revenues were $4.5 billion, with far fewer players settling for only $19 million.
Both cases were based on the failure to warn players of the effects of repeated concussions leading to degenerative brain diseases. Both failed to acknowledge any link between sports and brain disease, any liability for players' claims, and any responsibility for cognitive problems. Further, players were thought to be well aware of risks they assumed, and compensated appropriately for all their work.
Thankfully, due to this increased awareness, football has instigated some rule changes to reduce injuries, and hopefully hockey will, too. But individual compensation settlements of $22,000 or even $75,000 seem so inadequate compared to the injuries here. What are we missing?
MICHAEL TILLEMANS, Minneapolis
WALZ AND WEED
Adding a negative activity is no way to help young people
I was disappointed to hear that Minnesota Gov.-elect Tim Walz is promoting recreational marijuana for Minnesota as a way to bring in extra money for our state ("Walz to take vast agenda to Capitol," Nov. 11). This at a time when the legal age for purchasing cigarettes is being raised and the negative health effects of vaping are on the front page. Gov.-elect Walz says recreational marijuana will bring money for the state. I don't think that adding negative activities is the way to help our young people and families. We can do better.
Mary McKee, Minnetonka
GUN RIGHTS
Protect the Second Amendment, but consider steps to lessen gun violence
There is a gun problem facing the United States today. Gun violence is prevalent, and Americans are afraid to go to school, concerts or major public events due to mass shootings. However, abolishment of the Second Amendment is not an effective solution.
Guns, for all of the issues surrounding them, are the most effective tool for self-preservation, and Americans should have the liberty to defend themselves. However, the current lack of restrictions on the power and access of guns is leading to massive casualties from gun violence. For the issue of everyday gun violence, mandatory waiting periods between the purchases of guns, a national registry for all gun purchases and more thorough background checks are all steps that could be taken to ensure guns are limited to the hands of law-abiding citizens.
For the issues of mass shootings, clip reduction and regulations on the power of guns, bullet speed, weight, banning of some modifications and other changes can reduce the damage that a gun can do in a mass shooting situation. These policy suggestions are nowhere near perfect, as should be expected from a nonprofessional, but they are at least ideas of some action that can be taken.
TOM PETERSON, St. Paul
The writer is a high school student.