Football or Softball?

This weekend had some cruel hits in the game of football with the most notable being the hit from Dunta Robinson on DeSean Jackson. Jackson is now out with a concussion. Two other concussion like hits were given to Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi by James Harrison. Who should probably be given more attention is Rutgers DT Eric LeGrand as he made a big hit on special teams and didn't get up. He was taken to the hospital and after some surgery, he was discovered to be paralyzed from the neck down. Truly a tragic situation. Because of the Jackson concussion, the Harrison hits, and the LeGrand hospitalization (anyone not taking this into account is a fool), the NFL will announce that even first time offenders of "Devastating Hits" and "Head Shots" will face suspension.

Is this the right thing to do or is this an overreaction? I can't say either way. Football is a violent game that is loved by millions for its big hits and brutality. This vague ruling may alter the game too much as it leaves many wondering on what exactly a "Devastating Hit" is? This ruling could lead to players holding back and making more mistakes because they don't want to be suspended. This in turn may lead to a less extreme game that people may not want to see. But perhaps the craving for big hits has gone too far. Surely there has to a be a limit so that a major injuries like LeGrand's and more concussions don't happen. There has been more awareness to concussions in recent years and what they can do to a person in the short and long term.

Perhaps society has gone too far with brutality and, as a result, football needs to be monitored more carefully. Then again, the sport may have changed too dramatically because of this vague ruling.

P.S. Anyone now for 18 Games?