That Is the Question

COUNSELING YOUR ATHLETES To Play or Not to Play? That Is the Question

Diane Wiese-Bjornstal, PhD, Column Editor

HE DEATH OF Minnesota Vikings offen- tices in ways that benefit the athletes without sacri- T sive tackle Korey Stringer as a result of ficing preparation and intensity. heat-related illness during training camp Much has been written since Stringer’s death in August 2001 brought great sadness to the people about better managing and preparing for the physi- of Minnesota. “Big K” was a fan favorite coming off cal consequences of intensive exercise under condi- an All-Pro year and was anticipated to be one of the tions of high heat and humidity. What has received team’s leaders both on and off the field. less attention is how to better manage the psycho- The reports on what transpired during practice logical and social climate of sport that leads athletes the day of Stringer’s death continue to be somewhat to ignore the warning signals of their own bodies in conflicting. What is apparent, however, from reading the name of sport. In Figure 1, I have illustrated some the media accounts of the tragedy is that there were of these many probable social-psychological influences a wide variety of social, psychological, physical, and on Stringer’s behavior that final day—behavior under environmental circumstances that culminated in his harsh environmental conditions that ultimately led to decision to continue practicing that day until he col- his death. Table 1 shows some of the comments made lapsed in the medical trailer. What is instructive for by members of influential social groups in the days those of us involved in keeping athletes mentally and surrounding Stringer’s death. physically healthy is to consider the lessons learned Former NFL player Tim Green wrote in his 1996 from this event that might lead us to alter our prac- book The Dark Side of the Game, “Players have been

Figure 1 The multitude of factors influencing the decision of Korey Stringer to continue to practice in excessive heat.

Influential Social Group Quote Source

Media (Lou Gelfand, of the “The editors who selected the photo are to be praised, not Minneapolis Star- Minneapolis Star-Tribune, scorned, for recording proof of the legitimacy of a national Tribune, Sunday, who published the debate on the civility of sports training standards.” August 5, 2001, p. A27 “embarrassing” photo the day before Stringer’s death) Athletic trainer “We will evaluate things and are always looking for new ideas. Minneapolis Star (Chuck Barta) But we feel comfortable with everything that’s been done.” Tribune, Friday, August 3, 2001, p. 1A Team owner “This happens in life. It happens in the workplace. It happens Don Banks, (Red McCombs) on ranches. It happens everywhere. Fortunately, it doesn’t Sports Illustrated, happen very often.” August 1, 2001 Position coach “He had tremendous pride and he didn’t want to let anybody George Willis, (Mike Tice) down. He was not really thrilled about the picture that was put NYPost.com, in the paper on Tuesday. He was out to prove to people that August 3, 2001 he was a leader and that he wasn’t going to let anybody embarrass him like that.” Head coach Has refused to answer medical questions about Stringer’s CNN Sports Illustrated, (Dennis Green) death or respond to the decision-making process of the team cnnsi.com, Friday, with respect to Stringer practicing the day he died. August 3, 2001 NFL (Paul Tagliabue, “We feel very positive that this issue of heat, heat-related Minneapolis Star- commissioner) illness, is something that our physicians and trainers have Tribune, Tuesday, been on top of and will continue to be on top of.” August 7, 2001, p. C8 Teammate “We’re totally in shock. But that’s not what we’re feeling, Don Banks, (Chris Carter) that someone should have done more. Everything that could Sports Illustrated, be done was done. It wasn’t something that was overlooked.” August 1, 2001 Spouse “My main question from Day One was . . . what happened? Minneapolis Star- (Kelci Stringer) I still don’t know what happened.” Tribune, Friday, November 19, 2001, p. B1 Fans/Public “Three things that made the tragic death of Korey Stringer Letter to the editor, possible: 1) Narrow-minded fans demanding a Super Bowl Minneapolis Star- no matter what the cost. 2) Stupid coaches and staff who Tribune, Thursday, don’t have clue one where common sense is concerned. August 2, 2001, p. 14A 3) One millionaire jock who couldn’t tell when enough’s enough.”

conveniently conditioned their entire lives to take the medical professionals are often expected to do any- pain and put their bodies at risk. . . . They’ll do al- thing medically possible, morally defensible or not, most anything humanly possible to get out onto the to get these professional athletes onto the field. Much field” (p. 215). as professional athletes risk their positions, starting Former Oakland Raider team physician Rob or otherwise, on a team by refusing to play hurt, so Huizenga echoed this obsession to play in his 1994 do medical professionals risk their positions on teams book You’re Okay, It’s Just a Bruise. He suggested that by using their medical expertise to keep an athlete

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