WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has sparked controversy with his recent comments dismissing the existence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The legendary wrestler, known for his hard-hitting style and numerous championships, stated that he is “not a CTE guy” and does not believe in the condition.
In a recent interview on the Vince McMahon Netflix documentary, Austin expressed his skepticism about CTE, a progressive and fatal brain disease associated with repeated head trauma. He suggested that wrestlers who suffer multiple concussions are, “probably doing something wrong.”
This stance has raised eyebrows in the wrestling community and beyond, given the growing body of scientific evidence supporting the existence and dangers of CTE.
Austin’s Wrestling Career and Concussion History
Steve Austin’s wrestling career spanned from 1989 to 2003, during which he became one of the most popular and influential figures in professional wrestling. Throughout his career, Austin was known for his physical style and high-impact moves, which likely exposed him to numerous head impacts.
While the exact number of concussions Austin suffered during his career is not publicly documented, he does admit to getting getting dropped on his head and concussed once in his career on the Mr. McMahon documentary.
Other Athletes Skeptical of CTE
While Steve Austin’s comments about CTE have garnered significant attention, he is not the only athlete to express skepticism about the condition. Some other notable athletes who have questioned or downplayed the existence or severity of CTE include:
NFL Players
Brett Favre: The former Green Bay Packers quarterback has expressed doubts about the link between football and CTE. In 2018, Favre suggested that the media had exaggerated the risks of playing football.
Merril Hoge: A former NFL running back, Hoge co-authored a book titled “Brainwashed: The Bad Science Behind CTE and the Plot to Destroy Football.” He has argued that the evidence linking football to CTE is overstated.
NHL Players
Gary Bettman: While not a player himself, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has consistently downplayed the link between hockey and CTE. He has stated that there is not enough scientific evidence to establish a causal relationship between hockey and the disease.
Boxers
Floyd Mayweather Jr.: The undefeated boxing champion has dismissed concerns about CTE in boxing, stating that he’s never had any issues despite his long career in the sport
The Science
(Image Copyright: WWE)
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head injuries. It has been found in the brains of athletes who participated in contact sports, as well as military veterans and others exposed to repetitive brain trauma.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
CTE can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Impaired judgment
- Impulse control problems
- Aggression
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
Currently, CTE can only be definitively diagnosed through post-mortem examination of the brain. However, researchers are working on developing methods for diagnosing CTE in living individuals.
Athletes Supporting CTE Research
Many former athletes have become advocates for CTE awareness and research. Some notable examples include:
- Chris Nowinski: Former WWE wrestler and co-founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation
- Junior Seau: NFL linebacker who was posthumously diagnosed with CTE
- Dave Mirra: BMX rider who was the first action sports athlete diagnosed with CTE
These athletes and others have helped raise awareness about the potential long-term effects of repeated head trauma in sports.
The Impact of Austin’s Comments
Austin’s comments have sparked debate within the wrestling fanbase and beyond. Many fans and fellow wrestlers have expressed disappointment in his stance, given the growing body of evidence supporting the existence of CTE and its impact on athletes.
The Importance of Athlete Safety
While Austin’s opinion may be influenced by his personal experiences, it’s crucial to consider the broader implications of such statements.
Professional wrestling, like many contact sports, carries inherent risks of head injuries. Acknowledging these risks and taking steps to mitigate them is essential for protecting current and future athletes.
When Heroes Disappoint: The Perils of Knowing Too Much
Austin’s comments serve as a reminder that sometimes learning about the personal beliefs of childhood heroes can be disappointing. Many fans who grew up idolizing “Stone Cold” Steve Austin may find themselves conflicted by his stance on CTE.
This situation highlights the importance of separating an athlete’s on-screen persona from their personal beliefs and opinions. It’s a valuable lesson in critical thinking and the need to form our own opinions based on scientific evidence rather than solely relying on the views of public figures we admire.
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