Despite the fact that every sport this side of badminton worries

In the arena of human endeavor, where courage, strength, and skill are revered, there lies a deeper question: at what cost does this reverence come? Frank Deford, in his sharp critique of the National Hockey League, offers a warning that resonates with ancient wisdom: "Despite the fact that every sport this side of badminton worries about concussions that result in brain damage, CTE, the National Hockey League refuses to accept the overwhelming medical science. Good grief - the NHL still permits fights." These words speak to a fundamental truth: that no matter how honorable the pursuit, if it comes at the expense of the human body and mind, it must be questioned.

The ancient philosophers would have recognized this dilemma well. In Homer’s Iliad, the warriors fought with valor, but their bodies and souls were marked by the cost of battle. The heroes were often hailed for their bravery and strength, but their fates were sealed by the very violence they inflicted upon their own bodies. The gods themselves, despite their immortal status, could not escape the inevitable harm caused by their own conflicts. Deford’s words echo this ancient wisdom, asking us to consider whether the valor of physical contests is worth the price paid by the athletes—whether that price is the body or, as in the case of concussions and CTE, the mind.

The mind, as the ancient philosophers recognized, is sacred—it is the seat of reason, wisdom, and soul. Socrates emphasized that to neglect the health of the mind is to neglect the truth and virtue that guide us toward a just and meaningful life. What then, if a sport—no matter how thrilling—actively fosters an environment that endangers this sacred vessel? The NHL’s refusal to accept the overwhelming evidence regarding the dangers of concussions stands in stark contrast to the ancient understanding of duty—the duty to preserve the body and the mind in the pursuit of higher values. If athletes are to be honored as heroes, should they not be protected from fate that leads to irreversible harm?

The physical toll of sports is not a new phenomenon. The gladiators of ancient Rome were revered for their strength and bravery, but their lives were often short and fraught with suffering. The Roman Empire, in its glorification of battle, failed to recognize the lasting effects of the violence it celebrated. These men fought for the entertainment of the masses, but at a tremendous cost. In much the same way, the fighting in hockey and other sports remains not only a spectacle but also a dangerous norm that puts the human body and mind at risk.

The medical science that Deford refers to is a modern extension of the wisdom of the ancients. In every era, great healers and philosophers have recognized the link between physical health and mental well-being. The Greek physician Hippocrates declared that the body must be treated with care and respect if it is to maintain the harmony needed for a sound mind. Today, the study of CTE and its consequences is a scientific advancement that echoes this ancient belief: the damage done to the body and mind in violent sports is not just a temporary injury, but a long-term detriment to the athlete’s future.

In this light, Deford’s critique is not merely about the ethics of hockey, but about the moral responsibility that modern society must bear. Just as the philosophers of old wrestled with the balance between glory and duty, we too must question the fine line between competition and sacrifice. Should we continue to glorify violence in sports, knowing the harm it causes? Or should we turn our attention to a future where the health and well-being of the athlete are placed above the allure of entertainment?

The lesson for us, then, is one of reflection and action. As spectators, we must ask ourselves: is it right to support sports that glorify violence and endanger the minds of those who participate? As citizens, we must demand accountability from the institutions that regulate these games, ensuring that the health of athletes is prioritized above all else. Let us not allow the pursuit of entertainment to blind us to the sacred responsibility we have to protect the most vulnerable among us. In doing so, we honor not only the athletes who dedicate their lives to sport but the principles of justice, dignity, and respect for the human body and mind.