npr best reads 2017 ann patchett interview

and i think that there is a war right now within the n.f.l. i don't think has a lot to do with the violence of the game. > where you're seeing the biggest effects from head injuries- more than concussions, i think is just generally it's head injuries- is on the youth levels and that is a real problem. and then there's this question of how much it's affecting fans, you know, how much people are maybe turned off to the game because of it. There's that long term settlement with former players. and you know, i think that it's been an interesting moment to look at the n.f.l., as this has happened because, a lot of the owners of teams and a lot of league executives want a mandate i think that the number of players that are kneeling as a protest are down to two now.

how are players and teams dealing with it now and is it still boiling or do you see things calming down at all? > it's largely faded. in the meantime, the games do go on, but ratings have fallen.

and topping it off a recent civil war of sorts between two of the most powerful people in the league: commissioner roger goodell and dallas cowboys owner jerry jones. there are also continuing concerns over player safety and the status of a concussion settlement with retired players. most prominent, player protests over police mistreatment of african americans and the reaction from president trump and other critics about taking a knee.

Npr best reads 2017 ann patchett interview