sport dangerous essay

Welcome Guest!

• IELTS Listening
• IELTS Reading
• IELTS Writing
• IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Speaking Part 1
• IELTS Speaking Part 2
• IELTS Speaking Part 3
• IELTS Practice Tests
• IELTS Listening Practice Tests
• IELTS Reading Practice Tests
• IELTS Writing Practice Tests
• IELTS Speaking Practice Tests
• All Courses
• IELTS Online Classes
• OET Online Classes
• PTE Online Classes
• CELPIP Online Classes
• Free Live Classes
• Australia PR
• Germany Job Seeker Visa
• Austria Job Seeker Visa
• Sweden Job Seeker Visa
• Study Abroad
• Student Testimonials
• Our Trainers
• IELTS Webinar
• Immigration Webinar

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: Dangerous Sports

Updated On Feb 26, 2024

Share on Whatsapp

Share on Email

Share on Linkedin

IELTS Writing Prediction Questions for 2024

The Essay Writing section of the IELTS Writing Module can be a difficult task for many IELTS Aspirants. Thus, it is vital that you polish your essay writing skills before attempting the IELTS.

Below is a sample IELTS Essay for the IELTS Essay topic:

Some people think that governments should ban dangerous sports, while others think people should have freedom to do any sports or activity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Get Evaluated for FREE:

Do you have an essay on this topic? Please post it in the comments section. One of our IELTS trainers will evaluate your essay from an examiner’s point of view and reply to the comment. This service is completely FREE of cost.

Discussion essay

Introduction

• Paraphrase the topic of the discussion.
• Give a clear insight into the gist of the essay and what one could expect from the same.
• Paragraph 1- Advocates of banning certain sports may argue that their inherently dangerous nature may threaten lives. As extreme conditions are a prerequisite for these sports, risks like equipment failure render players more vulnerable than in other sports.
• Paragraph 2- , I believe that people should have the autonomy to play any sports they want, regardless of their danger. This is because they can already decide for themselves whether to take part in several dangerous non-sport activities. If personal freedom is championed with regard to things like alcohol, one can argue that it should be extended to sporting pursuits as well. Instead of an outright ban on extreme sports, I believe there are ways to mitigate the risks attached to them. Sports associations could impose an age limit for extreme athletes to ensure only people who are fully developed physically are allowed to participate.

Conclude the essay by providing an inference made from the essay.

Sample Essay

It is a common belief that we should strictly prohibit  extreme sports due to the huge number of risks involved. In this essay, I am going to demonstrate that risk factors are present in all sports before suggesting that people should have the right to play any sports they want.

Advocates of banning certain sports may argue that their inherently dangerous nature may threaten lives. As extreme conditions are a prerequisite for these sports, risks like equipment failure render players more vulnerable than in other sports. For example, skydivers who freefall from enormous altitudes seem more prone to injuries or even death than players of ordinary sports. It not only imperils the lives of the people undergoing the severities post such injuries or mishappenings but also curbs one’s harmony as at times, the players may be rendered distraught and traumatized for life. This, as they say, is a clear lack of prudence and safety measures for the people participating in such sports.

In contrast, I believe that people should have the autonomy to play any sports they want, regardless of their danger. This is because they can already decide for themselves whether to take part in several dangerous non-sport activities. For example, those who reach the legal drinking age are free to purchase alcohol, the excessive consumption of which may have fatal consequences . If personal freedom is championed with regard to things like alcohol, one can argue that it should be extended to sporting pursuits as well. Instead of an outright ban on extreme sports, I believe there are ways to mitigate the risks attached to  them. Sports associations could impose an age limit for extreme athletes to ensure only people who are fully developed physically are allowed to participate. Another solution is to bar players from practising or competing without the necessary protective gear. These measures would strike a happy medium without intruding on people’s personal freedom.

In conclusion, I believe people a re entitled to play dangerous sports if they want, and certain restrictions in lieu of a ban would help ease the safety concerns.

Band 9 Sample Essay

Unlock Essay

Signup/login to unlock band 9 essay and ace the IELTS

The media commonly provides a barrage of news about dangerous sports as the deaths and injuries associated with them often make for spectacular headlines . As a result, some people have argued that all extreme sports should be banned, although I would argue that such a policy would be out of all proportion to the real risks involved.

Those in favour of prohibiting people from taking part in dangerous sports tend to focus on the risk element. Even when individuals may be physically and mentally prepared to participate in extreme sports activities, and even when they have all the right gear, the dangers are potentially existing . To take an example, some sports are challenging and fraught with danger as BASE jumping. Participants hurl themselves off cliffs, and few escape without suffering severe bruising or acute abdominal pains, which normally last for several days. In addition, although sports equipment rarely malfunctions, this may still happen and the consequences may be fatal. The supporters of legislation to ban dangerous sports argue that such tragic outcomes not only affect the individual victims, but also leave mental scars that their families then have to live with for the rest of their lives.

However, I support the view of those who contend that participation in extreme sports must be a matter of personal choice. Firstly, overcoming physical challenges may be a springboard for positive personal transformation. It may make a person stronger and more determined, and the experience may be a life-changing one. Secondly, the rigours of preparation in order to go mountain-climbing, white-water rafting or other such extremely strenuous activities demand that an individual is in the peak of health and physical condition. Finally, there is an ethical aspect that dictates that a person should have the freedom to pursue the challenges which they set themselves, even though this may involve a level of risk which others might find unacceptable.

In conclusion, while acknowledging the real risks, I would defend the right of any individual to take part in the extreme sport of their choice.

More Writing Task 2 Essay Topics

• Some People Think That Old Buildings Should Be Knocked Down And Give Way To Modern Buildings
• Celebrities Earn More Money Than Other Professionals Is This Justified
• In Some Countries At Secondary Or High School There May Be Two Streams Of Study
• The Planet’s Population Is Reaching Unsustainable Levels
• International Sporting Occasions Are Essential In Easing International Tensions

Also check :

• Tips to write introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2
• Tips to write great writing essay
• IELTS Sample essays
• IELTS Writing task 2 Tips
• IELTS Writing tips
• How to get band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing recent actual test
• Band 9 essays
• Advantage and Disadvantage Essays
• IELTS Writing Answer sheet
• IELTS map vocabulary
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

Effective IELTS Essay Connectors for Writing Task 2 & Task 1

Janet had been an IELTS Trainer before she dived into the field of Content Writing. During her days of being a Trainer, Janet had written essays and sample answers which got her students an 8+ band in the IELTS Test. Her contributions to our articles have been engaging and simple to help the students understand and grasp the information with ease. Janet, born and brought up in California, had no idea about the IELTS until she moved to study in Canada. Her peers leaned to her for help as her first language was English.

Explore other Writing Task 2 Actual Tests

Nehasri Ravishenbagam

Kasturika Samanta

Post your Comments

Posted on Dec 28, 2023

Some people think that governments should ban dangerous sports, while others think people should have freedom to do any sports or activity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion

Some people believe that goverment should ban dangerous sports, while other agrue that everyone should have freedom to practice any sports or activity. In this essay i am going to discuss why people want goverment to ban this sport and also why other people argue against this opinion.

Firstly, people want goverment to ban dangerous sports because some sports like wrestling, kick boxing and many other can cause a permanent physical as well as mental injury to person who is participating in the activity. For example recently in kick boxing tournament one of the player got hit on the back of the neck and was paralyzed and it took about 2 year for him to recover from that, even after 2 years he is not fully recovered and won’t be able to practice the sport anymore. Another reason is that this sports are broadcasted worldwide so young ones who are watching this shows, amy get influenced in a negative way and possibly adapt a violent nature.

Moving forward, To the people who argue that this sport should not be ban and everyone should have freedom to choose activity of their choice. One of the major reason this sports are encouraged is the betting market. where people put money on the winning horse, let’s take example to understand this better. Now if there is a fight between person A and B, than people will put money on them on the basis of winning probablity .

In conclusion, I believe that yes everyone has a right to choose sport they want to play but goverment should put certain restrictions and established strict regulations. S o life of person practicing that sport is not in danger and parents should also monitor what kind of media content their children’s are consuming to prevent negative impact on them.

IELTS Expert

Posted on Jan 2, 2024

Overall Band: 4 Main ideas are difficult to identify and such ideas that are identifiable lack relevance, clarity and support. Large parts of the response are repetitive. Relationships between ideas is unclear and inadequately marked. There is some use of basic cohesive devices, which is mechanical.

To Get more Insights on IELTS Writing, Avail a FREE 1:1 Demo Class with Our Expert Trainer here and Get a FREE BAND 9 Sample answer too.

Posted on Dec 1, 2021

While some people endorse the idea that highly risky sports should be prohibited by the government, I disagree with this position and support the opposite party that praises freedom over security.

Proponents of banning dangerous sporty activities might state that this would significantly affect the well-being of our society and environment. Firstly, their approach would protect the sportspeople from injuries and — in the worst case — death. Secondly, bypassers would be protected, especially when it comes to forms of sport that are performed in a public area and pose a constant risk for people staying there. Lastly, forbidding dangerous sports that take place in nature, like rock climbing, could help to reduce damages on flora and fauna.

Whereas these alleged outcomes sound promising at first sight, no prove can be furnished that illegalizing these sports would actually lead to people ceasing them. It is more probable, that they would continue practicing their hobby furtively. This will not lessen but increase the danger of their activities due to the lack of proper supervision. Furthermore, this question bears an ethical aspect, since we live in a highly individualized society, where personal freedom is a much valued moral concept. Therefore, implementing the suggested restraint would contradict our modern ideals. For these reasons suppressing specific sports completely is not an option, but it should be considered to set stricter regulations to them, comparable to the laws on the acquisition and use of weapons. Conceivable restrictions may be a specific training or license compulsory for exercising in this field.

To conclude, even if there are arguments for a comprehensive interdiction of sports which are highly risky, they can not outweigh the disadvantages. Instead of banning these sports it would be more effective to impose some conditions on their practice.

Recent Articles

Raajdeep Saha

Our Offices

Gurgaon city scape, gurgaon bptp.

Step 1 of 3

Great going .

Get a free session from trainer

Have you taken test before?

Please select any option

Get free eBook to excel in test

Please enter Email ID

Get support from an Band 9 trainer

Please enter phone number

Already Registered?

Select a date

Please select a date

Select a time (IST Time Zone)

Please select a time

Mark Your Calendar: Free Session with Expert on

Which exam are you preparing?

Great Going!

Essay 37:  Why do people take part in dangerous sports?

Some sports are extremely dangerous but many people still like them very much. Why do people take part in dangerous sports? Give some suggestions on how to deal with these dangers.

Exploring the allure of dangerous sports: strategies for risk management.

In today’s society, certain sports are regarded as exceedingly perilous, yet a significant number of individuals find immense pleasure in participating in them. This prompts an intriguing question: why do people willingly engage in dangerous sports? This essay aims to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and provide viable suggestions on how to effectively address the associated risks.

To begin with, the allure of dangerous sports can be attributed to the thrill and adrenaline rush they offer. Many individuals are inherently drawn to high-risk activities due to the exhilaration and excitement they experience during such endeavors. Engaging in dangerous sports allows them to push their physical and mental boundaries, thereby providing a sense of accomplishment and a surge of self-confidence. The adrenaline-fueled moments in these sports can create an addictive rush that keeps individuals coming back for more.

Furthermore, the popularity of dangerous sports can also be linked to the desire for personal growth and self-discovery. Engaging in such sports demands immense courage, determination, and perseverance. By overcoming the challenges and fears associated with these activities, individuals are able to develop valuable life skills, including discipline, resilience, and the ability to manage risk. Moreover, participating in dangerous sports can be seen as a form of personal expression, enabling individuals to showcase their courage and daredevil spirit.

Despite the allure of dangerous sports, it is crucial to address the potential risks involved. Firstly, raising awareness about safety precautions and providing comprehensive training is paramount. Individuals who partake in dangerous sports must receive adequate guidance on proper techniques, equipment usage, and risk management. This can be achieved through the implementation of mandatory training programs and the involvement of qualified instructors. Additionally, disseminating information about the potential hazards and consequences associated with these sports can help individuals make informed decisions before participating.

Secondly, fostering a culture of safety within the sporting community is essential. Encouraging sports organizations and governing bodies to prioritize safety measures, such as implementing stricter regulations and regularly inspecting equipment, can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Furthermore, organizing educational campaigns and public events aimed at promoting safety awareness among both participants and spectators can create a sense of collective responsibility toward risk prevention.

Lastly, the role of personal responsibility cannot be overlooked. Individuals should be encouraged to assess their own physical capabilities and limitations before engaging in dangerous sports. Engaging in regular physical fitness and conditioning, as well as seeking medical advice when necessary, can help individuals minimize the risks associated with these activities. Moreover, practicing good sportsmanship and respecting the rules and regulations set by governing bodies can contribute to a safer sporting environment.

In conclusion, participation in dangerous sports is a complex phenomenon driven by the thrill, personal growth, and self-expression they offer. To effectively deal with the associated dangers, a multi-faceted approach is required. This includes providing comprehensive training and awareness programs, promoting safety measures within the sporting community, and fostering personal responsibility among individuals. By striking a balance between adventure and safety, it is possible to enjoy the exhilaration of dangerous sports while minimizing the potential risks involved.

Addressing Dangers in Extreme Sports: Safety Measures and Personal Responsibility

In today’s society, there are certain sports that carry an inherent level of danger, yet they continue to captivate the interest and passion of many individuals. This prompts a thought-provoking question : why do people willingly participate in dangerous sports? This essay aims to explore the motivations behind this phenomenon and provide practical suggestions on how to effectively address the associated risks.

One of the key reasons why people engage in dangerous sports is the unparalleled sense of excitement and thrill they offer. These activities often push individuals beyond their comfort zones, inducing a surge of adrenaline and an extraordinary rush of emotions. The intense physical and mental challenges posed by dangerous sports create an electrifying experience that cannot be easily replicated in other aspects of life. Consequently, individuals who seek novelty and adventure are drawn to these sports as a means of fulfilling their desire for exhilaration.

Moreover, participation in dangerous sports is frequently driven by the human thirst for personal achievement and self-discovery. These sports demand a tremendous amount of courage, determination, and resilience. By overcoming the inherent risks and fears associated with these activities, individuals are able to develop invaluable life skills, including discipline, mental fortitude, and risk management abilities. Furthermore, engaging in dangerous sports can be viewed as a way to express one’s true character and showcase extraordinary feats of bravery.

Despite the undeniable allure of dangerous sports, it is crucial to address the potential dangers involved and ensure the safety of participants. Firstly, comprehensive education and awareness programs should be implemented. This entails disseminating information about the inherent risks, safety protocols, and precautionary measures associated with each specific sport. By equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge, they will be able to make informed decisions before embarking on these activities.

Secondly, enforcing stringent safety regulations and standards is paramount. Sports organizations and governing bodies should prioritize the development and implementation of rigorous safety protocols. This includes the mandatory use of appropriate protective gear and equipment, regular inspection and maintenance of facilities, and the presence of trained medical personnel at sporting events. By ensuring that safety measures are strictly adhered to, the potential risks can be minimized significantly.

Furthermore, fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability among participants is essential. Individuals should be encouraged to assess their own physical capabilities and limitations before engaging in dangerous sports. Regular physical conditioning and fitness training can help individuals enhance their strength and endurance, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents or injuries. Emphasizing the importance of respecting the rules and regulations set by governing bodies will also contribute to a safer sporting environment.

In conclusion, participation in dangerous sports is driven by the exhilaration, personal growth, and self-expression they offer. To effectively address the associated dangers, a multifaceted approach is required. This includes comprehensive education and awareness programs, stringent safety regulations, and fostering personal responsibility among participants. By striking a balance between the thrill of dangerous sports and ensuring the safety of individuals, we can continue to appreciate and engage in these activities while minimizing the potential risks involved.

Did you like these sample responses? Read more here:

• Some parents believe that watching TV and playing computer games should be limited and substituted by reading books. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion.
• There are some violent cartoon characters on TV such as Mickey Mouse which bring a negative influence on children. Do you agree or disagree? What types of TV programs are suitable for children?

• Writing Correction
• Online Prep Platform
• Online Course
• Speaking Assessment
• Ace The IELTS
• Target Band 7
• Practice Tests Downloads
• IELTS Success Formula
• Essays Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 samples – IELTS Band 9 essays
• Essays Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 8
• Essays Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 7
• Essays Band 6 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 6
• Essays Band 5 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 5
• Reports Band 9 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 9 (Academic Writing Task 1)
• Reports Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 8
• Reports Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 7
• Letters Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 1 – samples of IELTS letters of Band 9
• Letters Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS letters of Band 8
• Letters Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS letters of Band 7
• Speaking Samples
• Tests Samples
• 2023, 2024 IELTS questions
• 2022 IELTS questions
• 2021 IELTS questions
• 2020 IELTS questions
• High Scorer’s Advice IELTS high achievers share their secrets
• IELTS Results Competition
• IELTS-Blog App

IELTS essay, topic: More and more people participate in extreme sports (reasons and solutions)

• IELTS Essays - Band 8

This essay topic was seen in recent IELTS tests in Sri Lanka and Nigeria .

More and more people participate in extreme sports. Why do people take part in these dangerous sports? What can be done to reduce the danger associated with such activities?

Sample Band 8 Essay

In recent years, extreme sports have become increasingly popular among people of all ages. People are drawn to the thrill and adrenaline rush that comes with participating in these risky activities. From jumping out of airplanes to riding huge waves, these dangerous sports offer a unique set of challenges and opportunities for those willing to try them out.

Despite the obvious risk associated with extreme sports, there are still many people who participate in such activities. Some are driven by a need for adventure or a desire to test their physical capabilities. Others simply enjoy the sense of accomplishment they gain after mastering their chosen activity. Many cite the feeling of freedom and joy that accompanies extreme sports as something that cannot be found elsewhere.

To reduce risks associated with extreme sports, it is important for participants to first receive proper training and instruction from certified professionals. This will help ensure that they understand how to stay safe while engaging in such activities. It is also essential for participants to wear appropriate safety gear, such as helmets and protective clothing, when participating in any kind of sport. Finally, extreme athletes should always make sure they are aware of their abilities and limitations before taking part in any kind of dangerous activity, so they don’t overextend themselves or put themselves in danger unnecessarily.

Overall, while extreme sports can be extremely dangerous, they can also be a source of immense joy and satisfaction. Participating in such activities does not necessarily mean that individuals are putting themselves in peril, if all the essential safety precautions are taken. With proper training, equipment, education and awareness of one’s own limitations, anyone can enjoy these kinds of daring pursuits, knowing that the risks are properly managed.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8

Related posts:

• IELTS essay, topic: Young people don’t communicate with older people as much as they used to (reasons and solutions) This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS tests...
• IELTS essay, topic: Many people do not exercise enough and eat an unhealthy diet (reasons and solutions) This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS tests...
• IELTS essay, topic: Despite the benefits of walking, very few people walk nowadays (reasons and solutions) This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test...
• IELTS essay, topic: Newspapers have a significant influence on people’s ideas and opinions (reasons and solutions) This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test...
• IELTS essay, topic: Many people today are drinking sugar-based drinks (reasons and solutions) This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS tests...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

What is IELTS Score?

IELTS score between 1 and 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You can score whole (e.g., 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (e.g., 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) bands in each part. Universities often demand an IELTS score of 6 or 7. They may also demand a minimum IELTS score in each of the 4 sections.

IELTS scoring system and band scale

The IELTS scoring system is very unique composed of 9 bands, measured in consistent manner and is internationally acclaimed and understood. The IELTS score ranges from 1 to 9 for each part of the test. The individual result from these four parts will produce an overall band score ... more →

How long does it take to do the IELTS test?

IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting.

Is IELTS valid for 3 years now?

The IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) is valid for two years. At present, IELTS score is valid for a three year period for Australian General Skilled Migration (GSM) applications.

Is there any pass or fail in the IELTS exam?

There is no pass or no fail in the IELTS exam. Generally, when you take any test or exam then there can be the possibility of getting passed or failed. But here in this case, you will not get failed but you may be disqualified to continue your higher education in choice of college or university.

Home → IELTS Writing Task 2

Ielts writing task 2 – dangerous sports.

Why do you think some people are attracted to dangerous sports or other dangerous activities? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

( 220 Words , 17 Sentences, 4 Paragraphs, Band 9)

Nowadays many people attracted to dangerous sports and other dangerous activities. From my everyday experience and observation I think it is a result of dramatic changes in people’s life.

Just imagine at old times men had to hunt for food, fight, face many challenges and obstacles. Now our days are quite ordinary with a cup of coffee, donuts, computer, desk table and TV. Basically, we do not have to straggle every day for our life and we have nutritious meal without any efforts. So, all we have to do is to contemplate out life. However, I must confess it can be boring. All improvements created for the past centuries made our life easier. Nowadays people look for adventure. They want to face a challenge, prove themselves something, conquer the world, etc.

Personally, I think that every person sees different goals in doing dangerous activities. Some people want to add some stress and tension to their lives. From the other side, other people want to eliminate stress and tension gained from their everyday lives. They can forget about all troubles and leave them behind. I believe that dangerous activities give one freedom, happiness, feeling of independence and tone.

To sum up, I think that dangerous sports and activities are irreplaceable in our life. Without them out life would be miserable and boring.

( NB: Follow the above writing structure for getting higher IELTS band score in the examination. This sample answer can be an example of good writing out of many possible approaches.)

Related IELTS Resources

Take a practice test to find out what is your current weakness in terms of IELTS scale and allow more time to improve your weak spots. The following IELTS resources will help you to develop your skills faster:

• IELTS Listening Test
• IELTS Reading Test
• IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2 & 3
• IELTS Listening Exercises
• IELTS Reading Exercises
• IELTS Cue Card Exercises
• How to Start IELTS Preparation
• Tips – On the Day before IELTS Exam

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Dancing

Ielts writing task 2 – decisions for children, recommended for you.

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Help everyone in the world that needs help

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Relationship between equality and personal achievement

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Gender and University

Comments (0), leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Find anything you save across the site in your account

Exactly How Dangerous Is Football?

By Ingfei Chen

A few years ago, researchers at SUNY Buffalo undertook a study of twenty-one men who had played either professional football with the Buffalo Bills or professional hockey with the Buffalo Sabres. The men ranged in age from mid-thirties to early seventies; they were studied comprehensively, in all aspects of their health. It turned out that, compared with twenty-one men who’d been involved in swimming, cycling, or running, they suffered from clinical anxiety at a higher rate. In particular, they worried about their minds. They were acutely aware of a type of dementia, called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or C.T.E., that was afflicting many players in the N.F.L. and N.H.L. The disease had been the subject of extensive media coverage. It could be caused by repeated blows to the head—exactly the kinds of blows they had suffered while playing professional sports.

And yet the Buffalo investigators found that the ex-pro athletes, despite their fears, were no more prone to early onset dementia than the ones who played non-contact sports. Though the study was small, it was presented to and by the media as reassuring proof that worries over C.T.E. were overblown. (“UB study of ex-Bills, Sabres finds CTE ‘much more rare than we thought,’ ” one headline read.) On Twitter, observers began to square off immediately. On one side were critics who saw the study as N.F.L. propaganda; they noted that SUNY Buffalo was home to the Buffalo Bills team physician, and that the research had been funded by Ralph Wilson, the team’s founder and owner. Barry Willer, the study’s lead investigator, played defense, tweeting that other small studies had arrived at similar results; he labelled the allegation of Wilson’s influence “#fakenews,” pointing out that the owner had died a few years earlier. A former Buffalo Bills free safety named Jeff Nixon—one of the players in the study—waded into the Twitter debate, describing speculations about industry bias as “conspiracy theories.” A Twitter user with the handle ConcernedMom9 objected: “Conspiracy theories? Lots of literature on funding sources.” She quoted from a blog post by Daniel Goldberg, a bioethicist at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, which cited research showing that relationships with industry are “extremely likely” to bias physicians and scientists.

Football is both notorious and cherished for its unapologetic, brute-force violence. For decades, getting one’s bell rung on the field was considered unremarkable—even a badge of honor. Everyone knew that whacks to the head could have consequences, but concern was mainly reserved for moderate or severe traumatic brain injuries, or T.B.I.s, which could leave a person permanently impaired, in a coma, or worse. Then, in the mid-nineties, the picture started to change. Physicians and psychologists began to understand that a concussion, a mild form of T.B.I., was a serious medical condition in its own right: dizziness, depression, insomnia, memory loss, and other symptoms could linger for months, even years. More worryingly, by the late two-thousands, new evidence suggested that repeated exposure to subconcussive impacts that didn’t register as problematic in the moment might result in C.T.E. later in life.

In 1928, a medical report described boxers with “punch drunk syndrome.” The symptoms of what would later be called dementia pugilistica (unsteady gait, slurred speech, tremors, mental deterioration) came to be widely understood as the result of repeated, relatively mild blows to the head. In 1949, a British neurologist published a paper titled “Punch-drunk syndromes: The chronic traumatic encephalopathy of boxers”—the first use of the term C.T.E. Over the decades, it was sometimes suggested that dementia pugilistica might befall professional football players, too. But such concerns did not immediately transform the way people saw boxing and football. The sports were already dangerous; a little more danger didn’t matter.

Then, in 2002, a neuropathologist in Pittsburgh named Bennet Omalu examined the brain of Mike Webster, an N.F.L. Hall of Famer who died from a heart attack after a mysterious spiral into mental illness and homelessness. Through a microscope, Omalu, who would later be played by Will Smith in the 2015 film “ Concussion ,” saw abnormal clumps of a protein called tau; they looked like the lesions that had been seen in punch-drunk boxers. This was, he believed, evidence of C.T.E. in Webster’s brain. Similar clumps were soon detected in the brains of other former N.F.L. athletes who had died in shocking suicides. C.T.E. lesions have since been found in the brains of hockey, soccer, and rugby players, as well. In the preceding decades, interest in boxing had declined; some viewers were put off by the sport’s brutality, others by high pay-per-view fees. Football was now the most popular, most dangerous American spectator sport. In this new context, safety concerns registered more vividly.

The body of evidence linking head trauma to C.T.E. is now damning. “It’s like smoking and cancer,” Bruce Miller, a neurologist and Alzheimer’s expert at the University of California, San Francisco, told me. “It’s as clear as day.” And yet the exact mechanisms through which repeated blows to the head result, decades later, in tau buildup and neurological symptoms, remain unknown. Not everyone exposed to repeated head trauma will develop long-term neurological problems; the danger within any one group of players seems to be distributed unevenly, in the same way that some lifelong smokers get lung cancer and others don’t. (None of the players studied by the Buffalo researchers had developed obvious symptoms of C.T.E.; on the other hand, many were still young and, because they were still alive, their brains couldn’t be examined for tau buildup.) It’s also unclear how many athletes, over all, are at risk. The prevalence of C.T.E. in the pro-football population is unknown—estimates vary, with some approximating two per cent minimums, and others fifteen—as is its prevalence in the population as a whole (people get hit in the head in other ways, too), although the general expectation is that it’s rare. There is even less clarity about C.T.E. risk among college, high-school, and young athletes.

Last year, Fisher-Price was forced to recall the Rock ’n Play Sleeper , a wildly popular collapsible crib in which babies lay at a slight incline. The incline, it turned out, was dangerous; if a baby’s head fell forward, or if she rolled to the side or onto her stomach, her airway could become blocked. At least thirty-two infants had died in the Rock ’n Play since 2011. The decision to recall the sleeper was consequential—nearly five million had been sold—but it was also uncomplicated. When parents buy a sleeper, they expect it to be absolutely safe. There is no such thing as an acceptably risky crib.

High-impact sports occupy a different location in the landscape of risk. Their hazards are part of their attraction. We’ve come to realize that football is more dangerous than we thought—and yet we always thought it was dangerous. Players, coaches, and parents must now ask themselves a series of difficult questions with amorphous answers. How much risk is too much? How much scientific knowledge is enough, when the details are still emerging? How much do you have to know before making up your mind?

ConcernedMom9 is a stay-at-home parent in a small rural town in the Midwest. Several years ago, she and her husband enrolled their son, a third grader, in youth tackle football. (Tackle-football leagues exist for children as young as five.) They knew football was a helmet-clashing, body-bruising sport. But, since it was being offered through school, they assumed that it would be low risk and played in an age-appropriate, minimally injurious way. They were, for the most part, unconcerned.

That changed quickly. At practices, ConcernedMom9 saw how the coaches exhorted the boys to barrel into one another as forcefully as possible. Late one afternoon, during a tackling drill, she heard an ear- splitting crack: her son had smashed face masks with a larger opponent, bouncing backward. The back of his helmet struck the ground. It was his second helmet-to-helmet impact of the practice. A coach hauled him to his feet, but the boy, wailing in pain, was unable to walk off the field. No one stopped the practice or offered medical assistance. She watched in shock from the sidelines, unsure what to do.

For weeks afterward, the boy suffered from headaches and fatigue. The ground swayed beneath him when he closed his eyes; bright lights and loud noises bothered him; he struggled with math and reading at school. It took more than a month for the symptoms to subside. Meanwhile, his mother read about concussions and C.T.E. in the N.F.L. She learned that two other kids in her son’s league had had concussions; the program’s lack of education and oversight on the issue appalled her. She complained to the school district and joined Twitter, where she soon connected with others who were tracking sports-related brain injuries.

Although her son moved on from football years ago, she has become part of a community focussed on the head-injury issue. Her social-media friends include two mothers who filed a suit against Pop Warner for the early deaths of their sons, who played youth football and were diagnosed with C.T.E. in the postmortem. (The case was dismissed by a judge last December.) Since June, 2012, ConcernedMom9 has tweeted a hundred and sixty-one thousand times. Over morning coffee, she still scours Google and her network of connections for relevant developments to post, sometimes querying PubMed, a research database, for pertinent studies. “If a new paper shows up, I’ll just tweet it out,” she told me. In a typical forty-eight-hour period, she might share links, quotes, and retweets of media stories that range from the disturbing (“Volunteer volleyball coach accused of stealing underwear from female players”) to the political (a state bill that would ban youth tackle football before eighth grade). She curates what can seem like an endless stream of injury reports, many involving cringe-inducing blows to the head (“Nazem Kadri Concussed After Taking Big Hits Against Blues”). Moments of scientific controversy, such as the debate around the SUNY Buffalo study, bob in the stream.

The online debate about sports-related head trauma can sometimes feel like a fistfight: one side might deride findings about C.T.E. as “junk science” and “hysteria,” while the other disparages N.F.L.-affiliated scientists as “shills” who disseminate industry “talking points.” Scandals seem to erupt on a regular basis, adding to the atmosphere of distrust. In October, for example, the sports Web site The Athletic highlighted an analysis, conducted by two researchers, which questioned the scientific integrity of a prominent T.B.I. center at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill that received funding from the N.F.L.; the lead researcher and his colleagues described the allegations as baseless, while a nonprofit group that focuses on academic integrity in college sports called for an independent investigation. In January, a Washington Post feature about Bennet Omalu revealed that other leading C.T.E. experts see him as someone who “routinely exaggerates his accomplishments and dramatically overstates the known risks of C.T.E. and contact sports, fueling misconceptions about the disease.”

Even in the absence of scandal, the science of C.T.E. is like an absorbing spectator sport of its own. It’s simultaneously persuasive, contentious, and imperfect. After Omalu and his colleagues reported the initial case of C.T.E. in Webster, a rival research group at Boston University partnered with the Concussion Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit that solicits brain donations from athletes in football and other collision sports. The V.A.-B.U.-C.L.F. Brain Bank became the world’s largest repository focussing on C.T.E. and other traumatic brain injuries. In autopsy after autopsy, a team led by Ann McKee, a neuropathologist at B.U. and V.A. Boston, a hospital run by the Department of Veterans Affairs, has found tau clumps and signs of neurodegeneration. In 2017, in the Journal of the American Medical Association , the V.A.-B.U. team reported on the brains of more than two hundred deceased American football players, including a hundred and eleven former N.F.L. athletes. The researchers found that a hundred and ten of the football players had suffered from C.T.E.

A B.U. publication released an article describing the research; its headline declared, “C.T.E. Found in 99 Percent of Former N.F.L. Players Studied.” More headlines followed, at other outlets, that allowed casual readers to infer that ninety-nine out of a hundred football players were doomed. But the study’s analysis had focussed only on a specific subset of N.F.L. retirees who had undergone such dramatic transformations in mood, behavior, and cognitive status that they or their loved ones had donated their brains for study. (The researchers acknowledged the biases of the data set in their JAMA paper.) William Barr, a neuropsychologist at New York University and a former team clinician for the New York Jets—who, in the early two-thousands, criticized the N.F.L. for its management of concussions, and now provides expert testimony in litigation involving concussions and C.T.E.—told me that, in his opinion, although head trauma in football used to be a neglected issue, the pendulum has now swung in the opposite direction. “People who get hit in the head with a beach ball are coming to me, saying they have a concussion and they’re going to get C.T.E.,” he said.

Almost always, degenerative brain diseases present significant research challenges. Some neurological afflictions—brain tumors, aneurysms—can be detected from outside the skull with X-rays or CAT scans. But, at the moment, no brain-imaging technology can reliably detect the unique tau lesions characteristic of C.T.E.; they can only be found after death, in an autopsy. (Some disagreement remains about how to correctly identify the tau lesions in the first place.) Years or even decades may elapse between traumatic head injuries and the onset of symptoms—depression, anxiety, rage, aggression, dementia—that can be caused by C.T.E., but can also result from other, unrelated illnesses.

For now, these complexities make certain questions about the disease unanswerable. If subconcussive blows are the cause of C.T.E., how much impact is too much? How do the tau clumps relate to the clinical syndrome—do the lesions fully explain the mood and memory problems? (Probably not; other kinds of brain abnormalities, such as inflammation or damage to neural wiring from head injuries, may play a role.) Ideally, while trying to answer these questions, researchers would also mount a decades-long study in which they used sensors to measure football players’ exposure to head hits; they would scan the players’ brains monitor their health until they died, and then conduct an autopsy. Such a study would be extraordinarily expensive and time-consuming. There is nothing like it on the horizon.

The uncertainties in concussion and C.T.E. research are typical of any scientific investigation of human disease. They also provide an opportunity for those who want to defend football from its detractors. As the ESPN journalists Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru detail in their book “ League of Denial ,” from 2013, the N.F.L. attempted to discredit Omalu’s initial diagnosis of C.T.E., demanding that he retract his report. Beginning in 2003, the league's Mild Traumatic Brain Injury committee produced sixteen scientific papers that, among other things, shrugged off concussions as trivial injuries or suggested that, thanks to a “winnowing process” leading up to the big leagues, N.F.L. players might be less susceptible to traumatic brain injuries than people in the general population. Observers have argued that the N.F.L. was “manufacturing doubt” by financing skewed science. The N.F.L.—which maintains that the committee’s research “was consistent with the medical and scientific understanding of these complicated issues at the time”—argues that it has always sought to advance the science of head trauma.

The N.F.L. has continued to support studies of head injuries, but in ways that have alarmed some researchers. In 2012, it announced that it would donate thirty million dollars to the National Institutes of Health for “unrestricted” independent research—but then tried to stop the institute from awarding more than half of the money to a neuropsychologist in B.U.’s C.T.E. research group. The N.I.H. ended up paying for the study independently. (Other C.T.E.-related work at B.U. has been supported, in part, by millions in N.I.H. grants backed by the N.F.L.) The N.F.L. later dispersed the unallocated sixteen million to other government-supported research projects .

For those concerned about C.T.E., the league’s funding is a double-edged sword. In 2016, the league announced plans to pour sixty million dollars into helmet research and advanced brain-imaging technology; another forty million would go into neuroscience studies. (Some of that money has since been awarded to a Harvard project, called N.F.L. LONG , that tracks long-term brain health in retired N.F.L. players, and a Canadian surveillance network that counts and studies concussions in high-school athletes.) That year, the budget at the N.I.H. for the study of all traumatic brain injuries was a hundred and five million dollars. Arguably, the league’s funding push has given it outsized influence in the field. In 2018, Kathleen Bachynski, who was a research fellow in medical ethics at New York University at the time, published an Op-Ed in the Los Angeles Times titled “ The N.F.L. is the Fox in the Henhouse of Football-Injury Research .” “It would and should raise eyebrows if even the most dedicated, accomplished lung cancer researchers accepted money from Philip Morris to fund their studies,” she argues. Head-trauma research funded by the N.F.L., she contends, “is fundamentally conflicted.”

There are system-wide connections between sports-injury researchers and corporate interests. Beyond the N.F.L., the N.H.L., N.C.A.A., and U.S.A. Football also have extensive relationships with scientists. Many head-trauma investigators serve as scientific advisers or clinical consultants to college or professional teams or leagues, or receive funding from affiliated charities. Many work at universities that derive significant income from N.C.A.A. football. Some serve as paid expert witnesses, for one side or the other, in concussion lawsuits against the N.F.L. and N.H.L. And, at a fundamental level, many sports-medicine clinicians have great affection for athletics. Their goal, usually, is to keep athletes healthy enough to stay in the game.

As ConcernedMom9 correctly pointed out on Twitter, a large body of evidence shows that, even in the absence of quid pro quo deals, studies sponsored by industry players—pharmaceutical firms, food companies, chemical manufacturers, and so on—tend to reach answers favorable to them. In 2009, an Institute of Medicine report cautioned that “financial interests may unduly influence professionals’ judgments about the primary interests or goals of medicine.” In one analysis, for example, ninety-four per cent of review articles by scientists with ties to the tobacco industry concluded that second-hand smoke wasn’t harmful to health, in contrast to thirteen per cent of reviews by independent authors. (The effects of industry funding aren’t always this large.) At well-run research institutions, rules should prevent funders from shaping how studies are designed, carried out, analyzed, written up, and published. But, even if such safeguards are in place, there is still a risk that close relationships with industry may shade how investigators look at data. (Some critics suggest that nonprofits might be sources of bias, too: the researchers at B.U. collaborate closely with an advocacy group, the Concussion Legacy Foundation , which is supported by families whose loved ones have suffered from brain trauma.)

Generally, medical ethicists call on researchers to forego industry funding altogether. Daniel Goldberg, the ethicist that ConcernedMom9 cited, told me that it was a “bad idea” for head-trauma researchers to accept funding from the N.F.L. “If scientists can’t raise non-industry money,” he said, practically yelling into the phone, “then, rather than publish skewed results, they shouldn’t do the research!” (The league, for its part, says that it intends to continue supporting “serious, impactful medical research” regardless of the outcomes of the work it funds.) Many researchers take funding where they can find it. “The money that’s required for research and clinical programs has to come from somewhere, but you don’t want to accept money that has restrictions on it,” Christopher Giza, a pediatric neurologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, told me. Giza is the director of BrainSPORT at U.C.L.A., a brain-injury treatment program that is supported, in part, by a ten-million-dollar gift from Steve Tisch, the co-owner and chairman of the New York Giants. The program is part of a $52.5-million multi-center concussion study sponsored by the N.C.A.A. and the Department of Defense. Giza also receives funding from the N.I.H. In line with U.C.L.A. policies, he doesn’t take grants with preconditions that infringe on his academic independence, and he fully discloses the sources of his funding.

Giza occupies a middle ground in the world of C.T.E. research. He doesn’t deny that C.T.E. exists, and said that it’s “quite likely” that it’s triggered by brain injuries, but he is wary of media hype. In his view, analysis of C.T.E. has become polarized. “When we sort of force people to take sides one way or the other, it blurs our view of what the real truth is,” he said. On Twitter, meanwhile, his industry connections haven’t escaped notice. When, in a news story last year, Giza commented that the link between youth football and long-term brain injury is difficult to prove, a former professional hockey player named Daniel Carcillo, who is himself part of a class-action concussion lawsuit against the N.H.L., tweeted, “Can he be trusted?” (Giza and Carcillo have since made amends.)

In the nineteen-fifties, an eminent statistician named Ronald Fisher argued that smoking didn’t cause lung cancer. Instead, he conjectured, an undiscovered third factor, perhaps genetic, both caused lung cancer and, coincidentally, drove people to crave smoking. Adam M. Finkel, an environmental-health scientist and expert on risk assessment at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, described this logic as “Fisher’s fallacy”: “It’s just a way to wave your hands around and ignore what’s in front of your eyes,” he told me. In Finkel’s view, many C.T.E. skeptics are waving their hands around. Some, for instance, have speculated that opioid abuse, not head trauma, may be the cause of the disease. There isn’t a lot of evidence to support that idea, but, for the moment, it’s impossible to disprove. It’s probable that, in the end, several factors will be found to contribute to C.T.E., because diseases are almost always multifactorial. But that still wouldn’t exonerate head injury as the major culprit.

To some extent, the dissension over C.T.E. reflects two different perspectives from which we can view disease. Clinicians tend to focus on one patient at a time; when faced with incomplete evidence, a doctor may prefer to refrain from speculation, to avoid making an incorrect diagnosis. By contrast, Finkel said, public-health analysts tend to make decisions based on probabilities, weighing the risks and benefits of taking protective actions in an effort to intervene before it’s too late. It might take fifty years of research to figure out exactly how blows to the head cause C.T.E. “A public-health person would never say, ‘We can wait fifty years,’ without thinking about the consequences of putting the decision off for that long,” Finkel said. He argues that football is so ingrained in American life that C.T.E. is best seen through the lens of public health.

A few years ago, the Harvard Football Players Health Study—which recently announced, having surveyed thousands of N.F.L. retirees, that athletes with longer careers showed more severe cognitive deficits—wanted to assess whether, in theory, O.S.H.A. could play a role in protecting pro athletes from head trauma. (The study was funded by the N.F.L. Players’ Association.) Its leaders hired Finkel, who used to be the chief regulatory official at O.S.H.A. Using the data from the 2017 B.U. report—which had posthumously diagnosed a hundred and ten N.F.L. players with C.T.E.—Finkel and the neuroscientist Kevin Bieniek made a back-of-the-envelope attempt to approximate the lowest possible risk of C.T.E. in the league. They started by presuming, conservatively, that B.U. had identified every single case of C.T.E. that had or would ever occur among N.F.L. athletes active from the nineteen-sixties to the mid-two-thousands. They then compared B.U.’s number to the total number of players who participated during that same time period. O.S.H.A. is empowered to regulate on-the-job risks that give workers at least a one in a thousand chance of becoming seriously ill; Finkel and Bieniek estimated that the risk of C.T.E. among professional football players is, at least, somewhere between six in one thousand and seventeen in one thousand. If the true prevalence of C.T.E. falls somewhere within this range of minimum estimates, the disease would be rare enough to evade small studies, such as the one conducted at the SUNY Buffalo, while remaining a serious occupational health problem. (There are, of course, many ways of arriving at a risk estimate. Using an alternative method—one focussed not on the projection of minimum risk but on the proportion of players who have died because of C.T.E.—Finkel calculated that the prevalence of the disorder may be closer to fifteen per cent. Other researchers have arrived at even higher numbers.)

Parents trying to evaluate the risks of youth football might find themselves bouncing between these different views of disease—fielding advice from a clinician one day and a public-health advocate the next. On the Web site for Football Matters—a campaign started by the National Football Foundation—a section about C.T.E. is reprinted from a fact sheet prepared by a panel of neuropsychologists, most of them affiliated with professional or school sports teams and leagues; the site concedes that “it appears appropriate to take reasonable measures” to avoid head trauma, while noting that “no clear-cut, definitive cause and effect relationship has been established” between hits to the head and C.T.E. Meanwhile, last fall, the Concussion Legacy Foundation released a video titled “ Tackle Can Wait .” The P.S.A. suggests that parents should look at youth football the same way they look at smoking—the video shows young players standing on the field and lighting up—and then warns that starting kids in tackle football at age five, rather than fourteen, leaves them ten times more likely to develop C.T.E. (It’s tough to know how to judge such a claim, since the absolute risks remain unknown.) In an Op-Ed anticipating the P.S.A., Robert Cantu, the foundation’s co-founder and a researcher at B.U., made a public-health argument: the Surgeon General, he wrote, should ban tackle football for young children.

In a now-classic bit , the comedian George Carlin undertook a comparison of baseball and football. Baseball, he noted, is played in a “park”; football, on a “gridiron.” Baseball starts “in the spring, the season of new life”; football begins “in the fall, when everything is dying.” The games have starkly different objectives. “In football, the object is for the quarterback, otherwise known as the field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use the shotgun,” Carlin said. “With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a sustained ground attack which punches holes in the forward wall of the enemy’s defensive line.” The object in baseball, by contrast, is “to go home! And to be safe! . . . . Safe, at home!”

In November, Bachynski, the public-health researcher who called the N.F.L. the “fox in the henhouse” of concussion research, published “ No Game for Boys to Play: The History of Youth Football and the Origins of a Public Health Crisis .” Parents, players, fans, and physicians, Bachynski writes, have always wrestled with the violence of football and its consequences. In the early nineteen-hundreds, players died in savage Ivy League games, which one critic described as “boy-killing, education prostituting, gladiatorial sport.” By instituting new rules and introducing protective padding and helmets, officials tried to make the game safer; Bachynski suggests that such changes, by emboldening players, may have actually made it less so. In any case, football remained a spectacle combining balletic grace with extreme collisional assault—its immense popularity “deeply tied to the very violence that renders the game dangerous.”

In the nineteen-fifties, when football programs for children younger than high-school age first began to gain ground, many doctors, focussing mainly on bone and joint injuries, argued that the risks were too great. Defenders argued that the game could be safe, as long as kids were supervised by coaches, athletic trainers, and physicians in the newly emerging field of sports medicine. Invariably, these authority figures were male: football was and remains gendered—“a means,” Bachynski writes, “of teaching boys to become men.” In a sport that was seen as character-building and capable of instilling toughness, even patriotism, it was possible for some quantity of danger to be seen as an asset.

Assessing risk is like balancing an equation: benefits go on one side, perils on the other. C.T.E. threatens to destabilize an equation that, in the past, has allowed more than three million American kids to play tackle football each year. The risk of physical injuries, such as broken legs and torn ligaments, used to seem acceptable, given the merits of the game. But now players and their adult guardians must incorporate the uncertain prospect of irreparable brain damage, which reveals itself decades later, into their calculations. It’s one thing to be injured in the moment; it’s another to live for years with the spectre of possible harm still to come. And C.T.E. may change the risk equations of younger players more. It’s true that youth and high-school football tend to involve collisions of less force and intensity than the ones in college and professional sports. But kids’ brains are still maturing; compared to adults, their heads are bigger while their neck muscles are weaker. These biomechanical vulnerabilities make them more susceptible to repeated head injuries than adults.

In many risk equations, certain variables must go without assigned values. It’s not possible to conduct a randomized, controlled trial that measures the long-term effects of knocks on children’s heads; in the absence of such a trial, the existing evidence of long-term neurological harm in youth football is mixed. A Wisconsin-based study found that playing high-school football in the mid-nineteen-fifties wasn’t associated, on average, with a higher occurrence of cognitive impairment or depression in old age. (But the game has changed, in many ways, since then.) In contrast, in its latest paper, published in the fall of 2019, the B.U. group reported identifying C.T.E. in at least eighteen former athletes who had only played youth or high-school football, including a teen-ager who died after suffering two concussions in a single week. Over all, the brain-bank analyses suggest that the risk of being diagnosed with C.T.E. at death generally increases with each additional year of playing tackle football. There’s a reason that public-health analysts, when faced with imperfect scientific information, tend toward pessimism: they’re entrusted with the task of safeguarding the citizenry, so they err on the side of safety. Parents may find themselves in an analogous position.

It’s possible that, for many people, adjustments here and there could rebalance football’s risk equation. The N.F.L. has adopted new rules and safety protocols to reduce head injuries: in 2013, for instance, it banned players from initiating contact with opponents using the crown of the helmet. (The number of reported concussion in the league rose slightly last year, after a decrease from 2017 to 2018.) In recent years, every state has passed laws aimed at improving the management of concussions in youth sports. U.S.A. Football, the governing body for amateur play, has promoted “heads up” tackling techniques; it’s also introduced concussion safety training for youth leagues. But no one knows if these changes will be enough. A few state legislatures, including ones in New York and Massachusetts, are considering banning youth tackle football under age twelve altogether.

This past fall, as football season got underway, ConcernedMom9 tweeted about news stories in which coaches claimed that changes to the game had made it safer than ever. “What would we expect coaches to claim?” she wrote. She questions whether local leagues are properly putting the safety reforms into practice. Over time, she has come to a new understanding of football’s risks. Research has been finding that head trauma is also a risk factor for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other degenerative brain disorders; considering the medical history in her family tree, she wishes she’d known this before signing her son up for youth football. She reads new stories about serious injuries among professional and amateur players—concussions, spinal injuries, ruptured spleens—and thinks of how the perils of the sport now extend into the realm of the mind, pushing some former players into an irreversible fog of darkness and forgetting. “There’s enough carnage out there that, personally, I’m questioning what this game is doing in our public-school system without meaningful changes,” she said. The game hasn’t changed. She has.

By signing up, you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

By Nick Paumgarten

By Louisa Thomas

By Kyle Chayka

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Wrestling — Wrestling Is The Most Dangerous Sport

Wrestling is The Most Dangerous Sport

• Categories: Wrestling

About this sample

Words: 543 |

Published: Mar 19, 2024

Words: 543 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

Introduction:, conclusion:, 1. physical demands:, 2. potential injuries:, 3. weight cutting:, 4. psychological impact:, 5. lack of protective gear:.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

• Expert in: Life

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 647 words

1 pages / 507 words

2 pages / 1061 words

1 pages / 666 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Wrestling

Wrestling and boxing are two combat sports that have captivated audiences for centuries. While both sports involve intense physical competition and strategic maneuvers, there are distinct differences that set them apart. In this [...]

Professional wrestling has captivated audiences around the world for decades, and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) stands at the forefront of this global phenomenon. With its unique blend of athleticism, entertainment, and [...]

Arm Wrestling with My Father is a poignant and introspective essay written by Brad Manning that explores the complex and often strained relationship between a father and his son. Manning delves into the physical and emotional [...]

Boxing is the only sport you can get your brain shook, your money took, and your name in the undertaker book. says Joe Frazier, an American professional boxer. This quote shows how extreme some sports can be to the extent where [...]

The use of substances by athletes to improve performance has been a feature of competition since the ancient times. Athletes took these substances to improve strength and overcome fatigue, with this practice continuing to this [...]

This is a description of a single case evaluation examining a relationship between stress during a test before practicing yoga and after practicing yoga. A single case evaluation is defined as a time series design used to [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• J Funct Morphol Kinesiol

Why Would You Choose to Do an Extreme Sport?

Giuseppe musumeci.

1 Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human, Histology and Movement Science Section, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia n°87, 95123 Catania, Italy; ti.tcinu@ireguamaizarg or [email protected] ; Tel.: +39-095-378-2043

2 Research Center on Motor Activities (CRAM), University of Catania, Via S. Sofia n°97, 95123 Catania, Italy

3 Department of Biology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA

Why do so many athletes keep practicing extreme sports, even though they know the danger of risking their lives? Why is our body addicted to these strong emotions? I will try to address these questions in this short editorial.

The thrills given by extreme sports attract many individuals seeking excitement. Many of these extreme sports like snowboarding, surfing, skateboarding, rock climbing, bungee jumping, skydiving, and others, allow one to feel the freedom to challenge yourself, both physically and psychologically, and to perform any type of freestyling that would be nauseating to athletes. However, almost all extreme sports have some elements that could endanger an athlete’s life in comparison to traditional sports. These sports could be defined as “extreme” due to their tendency to be dangerous if not performed carefully or with the right equipment [ 1 ]. After all, to experience the true “adrenaline kick,” these sports must be dangerous. Serious injuries are common among adrenaline junkies and many fatalities are reported every year. To give an example of this phenomenon according to the report of the United States Parachute Association, more than twenty people a year die due to parachuting alone. The effort required by these sports is great, but the supply of adrenaline and other hormones is sufficient to avoid tiredness resulting from exercise. The adrenaline rush increases the acceleration of blood flows to the muscles and brain, relaxes the muscles, and lastly helps with the conversion of glycogen into glucose in the liver. For every extreme sports athlete, this adrenaline rush is never enough since they are always seeking stronger emotions.

This kind of feeling cannot be otherwise experienced and many of these extreme sports athletes do not even consider a life without the excitement of these powerful moments. Furthermore, extreme sports have the capacity to establish a strong bond between individuals, thanks to the dangerous elements of the activity that requires a high level of trust between people. Consequently, this kind of friendship bond has a good impact on mental health [ 2 ].

The typical challenges and performances of the so-called “extreme sports” draw the attention of the spectators, growing the interest of researchers in this kind of behavior. The reasons why risk-lovers are attracted to challenges in dangerous places, or to the possibility of facing the unknown or even to the extreme conditions in which it must be lived, are strictly related to their interpretation of life, to their need of challenging life and to have complete control of the most uncertain situations [ 3 ].

These aspects need to be monitored and reworked in case of predominance of self-destructive tendencies, or when evaluating self-capacities. In this situation, the tendency to underestimate the risk could hide the overestimation of the self, or a devaluation of life caused by a non-depressive mental state that can lead to a latently desired death [ 1 ]. However, most extreme sports enthusiasts are not driven by self-destructive tendencies. One of the most important aspects of extreme sports that fascinates people is the possibility to live experiences that make you feel alive in a way out of the ordinary, that generate euphory described with expressions like “feeling in the eye of the storm” or “look I’m getting” or “feel the adrenaline rush”.

Some studies tried to explain the neuropsychological reasons that may lead some people more than others to look for “no limits” experiences. These studies found a correlation between the ability of certain activities to enhance adrenaline’s secretion, the need to take risks, and the inclination to seek extreme experiences. This chemical response is closely related to the so-called “fight or flight”, which is able to generate chills reported as “pleasant” in those who frequently seek these kinds of experience. The feeling of imminent danger elicited by these extreme sports activates the survival mechanisms in response to stress in order to face the event through neurophysiological changes broadly acknowledged by the literature [ 2 ].

However, it is possible to activate the “fight or flight” response in the average population even with activities that guarantee great safety and that allow people to deal with uncertainties or changes with respect to the usual point of reference: like the small challenges to daily habits of some game at the funfair that are able to elicit a pleasant, and safe, euphory. Emotional experiences on daily life have also been related to the release of neuromediators, which is physiologically activated in several situations faced by the individuals.

In these scenarios, the organism produces a large amount of dopamine which is known to elicit the sensation of pleasure similar to those experienced with alcohol, drugs, or sexual intercourse. Therefore, this explains (along with the presence of adrenaline) the frequent propensity to uncontrollably smile or scream while living those experiences. The common attraction towards these situations has also been studied in relation to a gene mutation that could cause a lower presence of dopamine receptors. This mutation has been found in many people who express attraction to extreme sports; therefore, it was considered among the possible physiological reasons that can explain the tendency to experiment with extreme activities, since the latter would be able to induce the overproduction of dopamine in order to obtain those physiological effects which are physiologically achieved at a lower level of stimulation in people with, otherwise, a greater number of dopaminergic receptors [ 4 ].

Many other studies on the typical personality of extreme sports enthusiasts spotted in these people the propensity to seek strong emotions, and this has led to the definition of “sensation seekers”, a psychological aspect very common between paratroopers, free climbers, and other athletes practicing extreme sports or showing addiction to exercise [ 5 ]. In a similar context, it is possible to place the psychological studies that have compared the differences between common people and “sensation seekers”. Sensation seekers are characterized by a need to try the extreme, in search of thrills, even though it implies doing dangerous sports.

These kinds of people avoid trivial experiences because they need high-emotional situations (like drug addicts), developing a sort of “shivering tolerance”, forcing them to seek higher doses of emotion every time to reach the same sensation as before. When this occurs, they get used to the same extreme challenge and start looking for a more intense one, to feel the thrill again, risking death just as might happen in drug addiction. In these situations, the need to seek the thrill is combined with a system of values or criminal behaviour tendencies, fuelled by an altered evaluation of life: the result is the pursuit of one’s passion, putting in danger himself and other lives [ 2 ].

There are various reasons why it would be interesting to tackle the challenge of extreme sports, but before venturing into them, it is necessary to consider and reflect on the above-discussed arguments. Furthermore, people who want to undertake these sports should be careful about their own and others’ physical integrity, because sport should simply improve the psychophysical abilities of the person and not the other way around.

This work was funded by the University Research Project Grant (PIACERI Found–NATURE-OA–2020–2022), Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOME-TEC), University of Catania, Italy.

Conflicts of Interest

The author declare no conflict of interest.

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

IELTS General Training

A hub for IELTS GT test takers to help them reach their goal.

Essay 229 – Dangerous sports should be banned

Gt writing task 2 / essay sample # 229.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people say that dangerous sports should be banned since they are deadly and life-threatening.

Do you agree or disagree with this viewpoint?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

The growing popularity of dangerous sports has sparked a heated debate and many people insist on prohibiting life-threatening sports. I think otherwise and believe that it is the right of an individual to choose whatever sporting activity she or he wants.

The reason why a ban on adventurous yet risky sports is warranted is that these sports contain the potential hazard to athletes. Even a slight fault can ruin one’s life. An athlete can die if the parachute fails to open, for example, when he or she takes part in skydiving. A case in point is a 17-year-old US skydiver named John Nikola, whose parachute failed to open, plummeted 2000 metre to the ground and got killed instantaneously. In addition to the grave risk, these sports also encourage violent behaviour, thereby desensitizing society to dangerous activities. Therefore, opponents of dangerous sports urge the government to ban these sports.

The proponents of extreme sports have some valid arguments. Human rights and freedom, according to them, are violated by imposing such a ban on dangerous sports. They go on arguing that since athletes are keenly aware of menace from adventure sports, they should have the liberty to choose any activity or sport they find suitable for them. Besides, almost every sport possesses a risk to an extent. If the government prohibits all potentially risky sports, then there will be limited opportunity for individual’s choice and freedom, which ultimately undermines democratic values. Therefore, extreme sports should not be banned so as to exercise players’ democratic rights.

In conclusion, I believe that preventing individuals from participating in extreme sports due to the potential of inflicting fatal wounds is unjustifiable. People should have the freedom of choice to pursue their favourite adventurous sports. If an act does not cross others’ rights, a person has the rights to do it.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

April 16, 2024

Some people think that dangerous sports such as boxing or motor-racing should be banned. To what

Some people think that dangerous sports such as boxing or motor-racing should be banned. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement, sample answer:.

There is a growing debate about whether dangerous sports, such as boxing and motor-racing, should be banned due to the potential risks involved. While I understand the concerns surrounding these sports, I personally believe that individuals should have the freedom to participate in activities of their choice, as long as proper safety measures are in place.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that participating in dangerous sports is a personal choice. Many individuals are passionate about these activities and derive a great sense of fulfillment and enjoyment from them. Banning such sports would take away the freedom of individuals to pursue their interests and hobbies, which could have a negative impact on their overall well-being.

Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge the measures that are in place to ensure the safety of participants in dangerous sports. Organizations governing these sports have strict regulations and safety protocols to minimize the risks involved. For example, in motor-racing, drivers are required to wear protective gear and cars must meet specific safety standards. Similarly, in boxing, referees and medical professionals are present to ensure the well-being of the fighters. As long as these safety measures are enforced and continuously improved, the risks associated with these sports can be mitigated.

Additionally, banning dangerous sports could have broader implications for other activities that are considered risky. If we were to ban sports like boxing and motor-racing, where do we draw the line? Should we also ban activities such as rock climbing or skydiving? It is important to consider the implications of a blanket ban on dangerous sports and the potential infringement on personal freedoms.

In conclusion, while I acknowledge the concerns surrounding dangerous sports, I believe that individuals should have the freedom to participate in these activities as long as proper safety measures are in place. Banning these sports could have negative implications for personal freedom and the enjoyment of individuals. It is crucial to continue improving safety measures and regulations to minimize the risks associated with these sports.

More Writing Task 2 Sample Essay

Be First to Comment

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Extreme sports should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Your opinion

Don’t put your opinion unless you are asked to give it.

If the question asks what you think, you MUST give your opinion to get a good score.

Don’t leave your opinion until the conclusion.

Here are examples of instructions that require you to give your opinion:

...do you agree or disagree? ...do you think...? ...your opinion...?

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ » — a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

• Extreme sports
• Disadvantages
• Personal choice
• Responsibility
• Check your IELTS essay »
• Find essays with the same topic
• View collections of IELTS Writing Samples
• Show IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

You live in Ho Chi Minh City. You moved to Manchester to study English three months ago. You have just received an email from a friend of mine, Sara from London. Read part of her email below. Write a reply to Sara. In your email, you have to describe Manchester and the weather there, tell her about your part-time job, the family you are staying with, and your activities in the evening, and finally you have to write about your English classes there. You should write at least 120 words.

Many children who are home-schooled are not prepared for university at the same rate of children in government funded schools. what do you think are the causes of this what effects will this have on society, some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults. discuss both these views and give your own opinion, some people think that it is a good thing for senior management positions to have very high salaries compared to other workers of lower positions in the same company. to what extent do you agree, some children spend hours every day on their smartphones. why is this the case do you think this is a positive or a negative development.

IELTS Mentor "IELTS Preparation & Sample Answer"

• Skip to content
• Jump to main navigation and login

Nav view search

• IELTS Sample
• Joomla\CMS\Cache\Storage\FileStorage::_deleteFolder JFolder: :delete: Could not delete folder. Path: [ROOT]/cache/com_content

IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

Ielts writing task 2 sample 625 - some people think that dangerous sports should be banned, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, some people think that dangerous sports should be banned, while others disagree. do you agree or disagree.

IELTS Materials

• IELTS Bar Graph
• IELTS Line Graph
• IELTS Table Chart
• IELTS Flow Chart
• IELTS Pie Chart
• IELTS Letter Writing
• IELTS Essay
• Academic Reading

Useful Links

• IELTS Secrets
• Band Score Calculator
• Exam Specific Tips
• Useful Websites
• IELTS Preparation Tips
• Academic Reading Tips
• Academic Writing Tips
• GT Writing Tips
• Listening Tips
• Speaking Tips
• IELTS Grammar Review
• IELTS Vocabulary
• IELTS Cue Cards
• IELTS Life Skills
• Letter Types

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• HTML Sitemap

• Practice Test
• Useful Tips – Tricks
• Full Writing Review
• General Writing Task
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2
• Writing Exercises
• Writing Sample – Topics
• Writing Vocabulary
• Speaking Vocabulary
• Intro Question
• Speaking Part 1
• Speaking Part 2
• Speaking Part 2 – Audio
• Speaking Part 3
• IELTS Books
• Recent Exams
• IELTS Vocabulary
• Essay from Examiners
• IELTS Ideas

IELTS App - For Mobile

Ready for the IELTS exam with our IELTS app. Over 2 million downloads

Popular Last 24h

[pdf] 31 high-scoring formulas to answers the ielts speaking questions, topic: why go to university , writing task 2: any country should be able to sell goods to other countries without the restrictions of the government., first mobile phone, ielts speaking part 1: topic music, writing task 1: the division of household tasks by gender in great britain, ielts speaking part 1: band 8+ topic email.

• IELTS Test/Skills FAQs
• IELTS Scoring in Detail
• Forecast Speaking – 2023
• List IELTS Speaking Part 3
• List IELTS Speaking Part 1
• IELTS Writing 2023 – Actual Test

Our Telegram

Join our community for IELTS preparation and share and download materials.

The information on this site is for informational purposes only. IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, or IDP Education Australia.

Latest Articles

Cue card – describe a gift you bought for someone, cue card – describe a place where you like to go shopping, ielts writing task 1 (process wasted glass bottles) – band 9, ielts speaking part 1: rubbish/ plastic garbage, talk about global warming (part 1/3), most popular, describe a film that made you laugh, describe a person whom you met for the first time and made you happy, topic: experience is the best teacher, describe something difficult you would like to succeed in doing, in many countries，today there are many highly qualified graduates without employment..

ieltspracticeonline All Rights Reserved

IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

• Test Information FAQ
• Band Scores
• IELTS Candidate Success Tips
• Computer IELTS: Pros & Cons
• How to Prepare
• Useful Links & Resources
• Recommended Books
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2
• Speaking Part 1 Topics
• Speaking Part 2 Topics
• Speaking Part 3 Topics
• 100 Essay Questions
• On The Day Tips
• Top Results
• Advanced IELTS

Sport and Exercise Essay Titles

Essay questions for the topic of sport and exercise.

Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned, while others think people should be free to choose. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (Reported 2017, 2020)

Some people think that sport teaches children how to compete, while others believe that children learn team work. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (frequent question most years often reworded)

Some people think that introducing children to team sports is the best way to teach children teamwork. To what extent do you agree? (2023)

Ensuring that children have regular physical exercise should be the responsibility of parents and therefore schools should not waste valuable school time having sports lessons as part of the curriculum. To what extent do you agree? (frequently appearing question regarding who is responsible for something relating to children – parents or schools)

Many countries want to host international sports event, while other countries think that hosting sports events has more problems than benefits. Discuss both views & give your opinion. (Reported 2017,2021)

Some people think that companies should provide employees with exercise time during the day. What is your opinion about this? (2016)

With an increasing overweight population some people think universities should make sport a compulsory module on all degree courses. To what extent do you agree?

Professional sports people are often idolised by young children. Some people think that they, therefore, have a responsibility to be good role models at all times for children. Do you agree or disagree? (frequently appearing question regarding any type of media or sports star)

Some people think that sports involving violence, such as boxing and martial arts, should be banned from TV as well as from international sporting competitions. To what extent do you agree?

Reported essay questions are from students who have taken their IELTS test. These questions may vary slightly in wording from the original question. 

All Practice IELTS Essay Questions

• Over 100 IELTS Essay Questions

Advanced IELTS Lessons & E-books

Click Below to Learn:

• IELTS Test Information

Copyright Notice

Copyright © Elizabeth Ferguson, 2014 – 2024

All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

• Click here:  Privacy Policy 
• Click here: Disclaimer

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2024 · Prose on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Extreme Sports Essay

Extreme sports are becoming increasingly popular all over the world. While some people see them as dangerous and reckless, others see them as exciting and adrenaline-pumping.

There are many different extreme sports to choose from, such as Bungee jumping, sky diving, snowboarding, and surfing. Extreme sports often require a lot of skill and training, which can be part of the appeal for some people.

For others, the appeal of extreme sports is simply the thrill of doing something that is considered dangerous. Extreme sports can be a great way to get an adrenaline rush and feel alive.

No matter what the reason is for their popularity, extreme sports are here to stay. They provide an opportunity for people to push themselves to the limit and experience something truly exhilarating.

People are extremely attracted to relatively new sports, like extreme sports, because they offer an adrenalin rush and allow for self-expression in new ways .

Extreme sports are usually associated with young people, but there are more and more adult fans of these activities. Extreme sports provide an opportunity to forget about the daily routine and immerse oneself in the moment. Also, many people find it attractive that extreme sports require a high level of skill and athleticism.

There are different types of extreme sports, from relatively safe ones like bungee jumping to dangerous ones like base jumping. Some people prefer solo sports, while others enjoy team sports. Extreme sports can be performed in different natural environments – on land, in water or in the air.

The most popular extreme sports include BMX, freestyle motocross, skateboarding, surfing, cliff diving, free solo climbing, parkour, base jumping, and wingsuit flying. Extreme sports have become so popular that there are now professional athletes who compete in Extreme Games and X Games – special events where only the most skilled athletes can participate.

The popularity of extreme sports is likely to continue to grow in the future as more and more people are looking for new ways to challenge themselves and experience thrills.

It’s no secret that we humans are suckers for new experiences. This is especially true when it comes to sports. With the recent media push to get kids active, participation in extreme sports has seen a dramatic increase. People are now indulging in activities like skydiving, mountain biking, and rock climbing more than ever before.

Extreme sports require special equipment, which sometimes is very expensive, but it does not prevent young people from indulging in these activities. Extreme sports are considered to be more dangerous than traditional ones, but this fact only adds to the popularity of these activities.

There are several reasons for the popularity of extreme sports. First of all, they are accessible to everyone. You do not need to be a professional athlete to try them. Secondly, they are very exciting and can give you a real adrenaline rush. Thirdly, they help you push your limits and test your boundaries. And last but not least, they allow you to meet new people and make new friends.

People are bored with traditional sports like basketball, soccer, and football. Martial arts have become too generic. It’s in human nature to want to stand out, and extreme sports are a good way to do it. I believe that people think your activities are linked directly to your personality: if you’re boring, you do dull things; controversial or unusual activities mean you have a great personality and positive outlook.

Extreme sports are a great way to show off your personality. They’re also a great conversation starter. When you meet someone new, instead of asking them what they do for a living, you can ask them about their favorite extreme sport. It’s a great way to get to know someone quickly.

Extreme sports are also popular because they’re dangerous. I’m not talking about the kind of danger that comes with playing football or hockey, where you might get a concussion or break a bone. I’m talking about the kind of danger that comes with doing something that could kill you if you’re not careful. People are drawn to this kind of danger because it’s exciting and makes them feel alive.

So why are extreme sports so popular? I believe it’s because they’re a great way to show off your personality, they’re a great conversation starter, and they’re dangerous. If you’re looking for a new way to show off your personality, or if you’re just looking for something new to do, consider trying an extreme sport.

It’s easy to feel stuck in the same routine day-after-day when we’re dealing with work, school, and other predicaments. Sometimes our lives can feel quite lackluster when we’re constantly seeing the same people and thing. To have a more active lifestyle, try spending more time outside surrounded by nature.

Extreme sports are a great way to do this. Extreme sports are becoming increasingly popular all over the world, especially among young people. These activities give us a chance to break free from our everyday routines and push ourselves physically and mentally. They’re also super exciting and can be quite addicting.

There are many different extreme sports to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. Some popular ones include rock climbing, surfing, BASE jumping, and skydiving. If you’re looking for a new challenge, why not give one of these a try? You might just find your new favorite hobby.

Such living undoubtedly causes us stress, fatigue, and a lack of peace of mind. I spend half my day at university lectures and now I feel like a tightly wound spring about to snap. In other words, many people including myself need an adrenaline rush that dangerous sports can provide.

Extreme sports are popular because they give people an adrenaline rush. They are a way to release stress and tension. They are also a way to feel alive. Extreme sports are not for everyone but for those who enjoy them, they can be a great way to relax and have fun.

More Essays

• Why Sports Are Bad Essay
• Sports: The Importance Of Concussions In Sports Essay
• More Kids Are Suffering Sports Injuries
• Why Do Children Play Sports Essay
• Sports And Exercise Psychology Essay
• Personal Narrative: Why I Love Sports Essay
• Write An Essay On Becoming A Sports Doctor
• Sports in our life
• 1940 Sports Research Paper
• Parental Pressure In Student Sports

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

193 Sports Persuasive Essay Topics [with Tips & Examples]

For many of us, physical activity is an essential part of life. From morning yoga to professional soccer, it helps us stay fit and healthy. Besides, it’s a source of entertainment that can relax us and calm us down.

Writing or talking about sports can be as enjoyable as doing or playing them. Are you passionate about some game or event? Do you have a favorite player? Have you ever participated in a championship? Watched the Olympic games? All these aspects can be explored in a paper, and a good sports persuasive essay topic will help you with that.

Whether you need a subject for public speaking or you are writing a persuasive text, you will find the right idea here. Our professional writers prepared gathered sports persuasive speech topics and essay ideas. So, check out our list to find something you can convince your audience of.

• ✍️ How to Start?
• ⭐ Stellar Sports Topics
• ❄️ Winter Sports
• ☀️ Summer Sports
• 🏈 American Football
• 🏀 Basketball
• 🏋 Olympics Topics
• 🏆 NBA Topics
• 🏃 NFL Topics
• 🏒 NHL Topics
• 🤸 Exercises Topics

🍏 Fitness Topics

• 💃 Dance Topics
• 📝 Writing about Sports

✍️ How to Start a Sports Persuasive Essay?

You may be familiar with the term “hook” concerning the essay writing. If not, well, it’s a catchy sentence or two at the beginning of the paper. It’s supposed to intrigue the reader and grab their attention so that they follow your train of thought.

The writer places a hook before the thesis statement of their paper. This way, the reader will be more focused on the core message.

Let’s be real:

Not everyone is interested in sports. Or not in the particular game that you center your paper around. So, in the persuasive essay on sports, a catchy hook is essential. You need an attention grabber to make anyone engaged. Plus, it helps to get a clear understanding of your thesis later. You can check out some college essay examples to better understand what we’re talking about.

So, how can you intrigue from the start?

There are several popular hooks for sports-related essays:

• Quotations . A quotation is an engaging way to introduce your reader to the topic. Make sure the quote is relevant to the rest of the essay. “You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan
• Fun Facts . Use some fun or unexpected info about sports to surprise a reader. It can be a great attention-grabber, especially if a reader is not knowledgeable on the subject. A record 202 countries participated in the 2004 Olympic Summer Games in Athens.
• Personal Experience. Using personal experience in a hook is smart in several ways. First, it gives the reader a sense of the author’s presence. Second, it provides information in an engaging, conversational style. I couldn’t stand the idea of working out when I was younger.
• Anecdotes . Similar to personal experience, anecdotes are entertaining stories. They can be based on a real narrative or be entirely made-up. Your task is to make them humorous. Do you know Jim Thorpe’s response when he received the gold medal for the Decathlon? When the King of Sweden said that Thorpe was the greatest athlete in the world, he said, “Thanks, King.”
• Rhetorical Questions . Rhetorical questions don’t require an answer. They either state the obvious or encourage one’s thinking. Use them in a hook to immerse the reader into the subject. If LeBron James ends up taking the Cleveland Cavaliers to the playoffs now, and Carmelo Anthony can’t take the Denver Nuggets to the playoffs, what do you think that does to the Rookie of the Year voting?
• Useful Definition . Starting the first paragraph with a definition sets the tone for your essay. It is an informative, specific lead to your topic. Deck work is the mood-setting moves performed on the deck once the music starts before the swimmers enter the water.
• Controversial statement . There are usually two sides to any controversy. Your reader will either agree or disagree with a given statement but will stay invested. The U.S. men’s soccer team won’t win a World Cup in the foreseeable future.

⭐ 12 Best Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

• College Basketball.
• Sports Psychology.
• Ticket Prices.
• American Football.
• Student-Athletes.
• Soccer Championships.
• Sports Education.
• Controversial Matches.
• 2022 Olympics.
• Cheerleading.
• Youth Sports.

🍂 Persuasive Essay Topics: Seasonal Sports

Some sports activities differ from one time of the year to another. Here is a list of good persuasive essay topics about seasonal sports:

❄️ Winter Sports Persuasive Essay Topics

• The launch of The Winter Dew Tour has greatly Improved Snowboarding Culture in the US .
• Recent Climate Change Trends pose a significant threat to the winter sports industry.
• Cross Country Skiing is the least dangerous of all winter sports.
• Figure skating judges are biased .
• Violence in hockey is often encouraged by fans.
• Ski jumping is better than snowboarding.
• North Korea stole the show during Pyongyang winter Olympics.
• The Winter sports apparel market will keep growing regardless of the global crisis.
• Fake snow should not be used for winter sports.
• Bobsleigh is not a serious sport.

☀️ Summer Sports Persuasive Essay Topics

• Golf is a rich man’s favorite sport.
• Horse showing is underrated in the US .
• Boxing is better than MMA. Are boxers better athletes than MMA fighters?
• More American Universities should invest in organizing summer sports camps.
• It’s time to cancel the NBA summer league.
• Gymnastics is the most aesthetically pleasing sport.
• Wimbledon is not as prestigious anymore.
• Skateboarding should not be a part of the Olympics.
• Alcohol consumption should be prohibited during the Tour de France.
• Martial arts are practiced only for defense purposes .
• Nike is the best producer of golf equipment .
• Badminton is harder to play than tennis.
• Lacrosse and field hockey are the same sport.
• Swimming should be a mandatory skill for everyone.
• Surfing is the most difficult of all water sports.

🏏 Sports Persuasive Essay Topics: Games

Games can be one of the most exciting things about sports. Take a look at the persuasive essay topics about team sports:

🏈 American Football Persuasive Essay Topics

• Football is too dangerous for its players . Concussions and other brain injuries are common in American football.
• American football philosophy is inseparable from American identity .
• American football is more profitable than baseball .
• Companies should stop placing ads on the player’s uniform. Elaborate on the distracting factor. Can it lead to more injuries among the players?
• College athletes who play American football should get a better insurance plan.

• The Canadian football league is more fun to watch than the NFL.
• Rugby is harder to play than American football.
• College football players should get higher scholarships.
• More awareness should be raised about racist team names in football.
• The football helmet is an essential part of the equipment.
• Of all contact team sports, American football is the most dangerous .
• There should be an age limit for young kids to start playing football.
• The tradition of American football has created a tightly-bound community.
• American football cultivates unnecessary violence and aggression.
• American football conveys a wrong image of masculinity.

⚽ Soccer Persuasive Essay Topics

• FIFA World Cup is the most profitable yet corrupt soccer event in the world . Should its policies be reconsidered?
• FIFA’s primary mission is to promote peace and intercultural communication .
• Soccer World Cup is not well adjusted for the international crowd.
• Women’s soccer gets fewer media coverage than men’s soccer.
• Virtual reality is soccer training that can replace conventional training methods.
• The World Cup events bring severe damage to the countries that host them.
• Soccer drills are the most effective training strategy.
• Different techniques for kicking a soccer ball are a critical element of the game.
• Despite all the risks, soccer is the best investment in the sports industry .
• Soccer has become an integral part of Saudi culture .
• The World Cup bidding system is too corrupt.

• Girls soccer teams should be allowed to compete with boys soccer teams.
• Karl Henning is a better businessman than a soccer player.
• Soccer coaching ethics should be stricter.
• Soccer is the most popular team sport of the century .

🏀 Basketball Persuasive Essay Topics

• UCR’s Women’s Basketball uses inefficient marketing strategies .
• We should reconsider the age range for basketball game players.
• There should be a female version of the Big East conference.
• Racial prejudices are a prominent issue in basketball.
• College basketball players should get paid for each game.
• Michael Jordan and LeBron James should not be compared.
• Basketball is the least traumatic team sport.
• Schools should encourage and support girls’ basketball teams more.
• Basketball is a more exciting game than soccer.
• Height is not a decisive factor in basketball.
• There is a link between basketball and hip-hop.
• The use of Native American imagery for basketball mascots is offensive.
• Basketball is a more American game than football.
• Basketball used to be more accessible.
• Basketball games in movies are not realistic.

⚾ Baseball Persuasive Essay Topics

• Baseball is more profitable than football.
• Baseball games should incorporate instant replays.
• Major League Baseball should carry out tests on steroid use among players .
• MLB should invest more in seeking out young talents .
• Pitchers play the most influential role in baseball.
• Princeton University Youth Baseball and Softball Association is a great initiative.
• Baseball is more interesting to watch than cricket.
• Data collection methods in MLB are not objective .
• The rules in baseball are too complicated for spectators to follow.

• Baseball used to be more exciting as a game.
• International players in baseball teams attract new audiences.
• American Legion Baseball coaches should get higher salaries.
• MLB should have a set salary cap.
• Baseball salary caps are, in fact, a bad idea.
• Houston Astros players should’ve been penalized after the sign-stealing scandal.

🥇 Professional Sports Persuasive Essay Topics

We honor a variety of sports on different large-scale events. Here are persuasive essay topics about professional sports:

🏋 Olympics Persuasive Essay Topics

• Ancient Greek Olympics held more sense and symbolism compared to the modern Olympics.
• Skill and greatness shouldn’t be ultimately measured by the number of gold medals.
• The Summer Olympics are more entertaining than the Winter Olympics.
• We should abolish the Olympic games . Explain that they cause severe economic and social issues. Elaborate on the harm to the environment due to the games.
• The Olympics are great at promoting values of peace and international communication.
• The Olympic games bring more damage than benefits to a hosting country.
• Medicine dealing is the most problematic aspect of the Olympics.
• Jesse Owens is the greatest athlete in Olympics history.
• The Olympics ticketing system will significantly benefit from IT development .
• The Olympics Committee should reconsider the use of anabolic steroids.
• Money spent on the Olympics could serve better causes .
• Special Olympics should get more media coverage.
• The Summer Olympics list should include cricket.
• We shouldn’t ban blood doping during the Olympics.
• Tokyo 2020 Olympics should be postponed until 2022.

🏆 NBA Persuasive Essay Topics

• If not his multiple injuries Ralph Sampson could’ve become the player of the century.
• The WNBA is underrated compared to the NBA . Why do female players have significantly smaller salaries than male players?
• The NBA has one of the most loyal fan bases of all.

• The NBA All-Star games are more entertaining than Super Bowl events.
• The NBA age limit is too small.
• Investing in an NBA team is too risky .
• The NBA draft does not provide equal chances for all teams.
• Joel Embiid owes part of his success to Kobe Bryant.
• Is NBA the most successful of North America’s sports leagues?
• Charlotte Hornet’s value rose because Michael Jordan bought it.
• Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks are equally good teams.
• The rivalry between Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors developed after the 2015 NBA Finals.
• The NBA’s dress code should be reconsidered.
• The NBA 2011 lockout has significantly worsened the owners-players relationship .
• Michael Jordan is overrated.

🏃 NFL Persuasive Essay Topics

• Super Bowl uses an extremely efficient marketing strategy .
• The NFL concussion rules are too disruptive for the game.
• Tony Romo is the best player in Dallas Cowboys.
• The NFL is more profitable than MLB.
• NFL’s Michael Vick case . Explain that the legal justice system does not treat celebrities equally as other individuals. Provide more examples from real life to support your arguments.
• Does NFL cultivate violence and aggression?
• NFL UK will be able to compete with the original NFL in the foreseeable future.
• The NFL should pay more attention to head injuries.
• Dak Prescott is the best quarterback.

• Is Tua Tagovaiola overrated? He went straight from Alabama football team to Miami Dolphins. That’s when Tagovailoa started as a promising quarterback. But what happened after?
• We should end the NFL Preseason tradition as it’s unnecessary.
• Chicago Bears is the most successful NFL team.
• New Orleans Saints was a revolutionary team for the NFL.
• Antonio Brown should be able to return to playing in NFL regardless of his criminal record.
• The NFL is the best football association in the world, and here’s why.

🏒 NHL Persuasive Essay Topics

• The NHL is not doing enough to control violence during the game.
• Fighting should be banned as it can result in player’s life-long injuries.
• Edmonton Oilers’ Connor Mcdavid is the best NHL player.
• Canadians are better at playing hockey than Americans.
• The NFL should consider reducing contract length.
• Florida Panthers have a long way to go to become a good team.
• Gary Bettman is the worst NHL commissioner.
• Tickets for the NHL winter classic games should be less expensive.
• Victor Hedman is the all-time best defenseman in Tampa Bay Lightning.
• Regardless of their efforts, referees are always the scapegoats on ice.
• The NHL All-Star games are more exciting than the NBA ones.

🚴 Physical Activities Persuasive Essay Topics

Sport is not always about competing. For many of us, it is a way to stay active and get that good old endorphin rush.

🤸 Persuasive Essay Topics on Exercises

• Daily exercise ensures better mental and physical health . Seems obvious, right? Give this sports persuasive essay topic a scientific twist by describing its impacts on physiology.
• The gym is the best place for physical activity .
• Yoga is the best practice for stress-management .
• Children should not be assessed for their physical training at school.
• All children should have a certain level of physical activity a week.
• Companies should let their employees exercise during work hours .
• Everyone should know how to play at least one sport.
• Personal trainers can improve your exercise routine significantly.
• CrossFit is not the healthiest way to exercise .
• Swimming is one of the healthiest workouts.

• At-home workouts are as efficient as gym workouts.
• Exercise rehabilitation is essential for injury recovery.
• Physically active children have more chances to grow into dynamic adults.
• Physical exercise can battle depression.
• Proper stretching activities are essential to prevent injuries.
• Obesity and weight loss are some of the most burning issues in the US .
• Vegetarianism can damage health . Discuss the controversy of vegetarianism as a lifestyle concept.
• Fitness obsession is not that harmful.
• Poor sleeping pattern is one of the most health-damaging factors.
• All restrictive diets are bad for human’s health.
• Health and wellness programs have a positive impact on employees’ performance .
• Excessive salt consumption is hugely harmful.
• It is a myth that gluten can negatively affect one’s health.
• Schools should take better care of children’s nutrition plan.
• Food supplements can’t replace actual vitamin intake.
• Most people who are trying to lose weight approach dieting in the wrong way.
• Nutrition is more important than physical exercise.
• Healthy food should be more affordable.
• Social media plays a crucial role in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Diet pills can put your life in danger.

💃 Dance Persuasive Essay Topics

• Dance is more of a sport than an art.
• Zumba is a better workout than pilates and aerobics.
• Hip-hop will never become outdated.
• Ballet schools require one of the most intense physical training.
• Dancing provides physical and mental relaxation .
• Learning how to dance is one of the less obvious confidence boosters.
• Capoeira is an underrated martial art .
• Should dance be included in major sports events like the Olympics?
• The right amount of training can make a good dancer out of anyone.
• Dancing can be as good of a workout as any other sport.

📝 Writing a Persuasive Essay about Sports

Now that you’ve seen the topics let’s talk about writing. Persuasive essays differ from the other academic papers in both the goal and structure. You have to keep in mind that you’re composing not for yourself but for the reader. That’s why you have to present your arguments logically and coherently.

Here are some tips on writing a killer persuasive essay about sports:

• Choose a topic that you can handle. Don’t try to compose a paper on the game that you know nothing about. It’s too tiring and time-consuming. Remember that it takes months for a fan to learn everything about their favorite sport. If you don’t have such years-long passion, focus on the more straightforward aspects of your topic.
• Research beforehand . Even if you’re a sports fan, and especially if you’re not. There are plenty of rules and scandals that you need to consider to sound convincing. Look up some fun facts or entertaining stories. Sports topics usually give you plenty of material to play around with.
• Take notes. The more notes you take while researching, the less work you’ll have to do after. And you won’t have to reread the materials to find that one sports event that you’ve forgotten about. The industry is quite vibrant with exceptional cases. Make sure you keep track of all the information that might be useful.
• Pick the issues to discuss according to the evidence . If you can’t support an argument with enough credible proof, don’t include it in your essay. Both argumentative and persuasive essays require you to stay on top of your argumentation.
• Outline and draft your paper before writing the final version. When you’re writing on recent events, you may get new information at any moment. So, draft before composing. In case you decide to include some new evidence or improve an argument, it won’t be messy. Outlining will help to organize your thoughts comprehensively and concisely.

Thank you for your attention. Share this sport related persuasive essay article with a friend. And don’t be shy to convince everyone your opinion is the right one!

• Good Topics for an Argumentative Essay on Sports: Tasos Vossos, Pen and the Pad
• Essay Structure: Elizabeth Abrams, for the Writing Center at Harvard University
• Writing the Introduction: Monash University
• The Basics of Essay Writing: UNSW Current Students
• English II Persuasive Essay [10th grade]: Brianna Johnson, Trinity University
• Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Sentence for an Essay: Grace Fleming, ThoughtCo
• Online Guide to Writing and Research — UMGC
• Taking Notes from Research Reading: Margaret Procter, Writing Support, University of Toronto
• Basic Guide to Essay Writing: Kathy Livingston
• Share via Facebook
• Share via Twitter
• Share via LinkedIn
• Share via email

I read all your articles, I like it a lot I learned a lot about the game. Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful article with us.

Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback!

Transphobia Makes Chest Binding More Dangerous

C hest binding, or wearing anything to flatten the chest in order to appear masculine or androgynous, is one of many ways that transmasculine and nonbinary people can affirm their gender identity and harmonize their physical presentation with their sense of self. Some people bind in order to “pass” as male at times when being visibly transgender could be dangerous. Others bind for the mental health benefits, documented across multiple studies , of being able to move through the world feeling at home in an authentic identity. But despite these life-changing benefits, anti-trans activists focus on the risks of binding, such as shortness of breath, skin abrasions, or shoulder pain, and seek to restrict the practice.

Binding scares anti-trans activists because of its accessibility. Unlike hormones, binding requires no prescription; unlike state-ID changes, it requires no paperwork. Binding is often one of the first ways that trans and nonbinary youth who are assigned female at birth can flexibly, reversibly—sometimes quietly under their clothes and unbeknownst to anyone else—“try on” a new gender identity to see how it feels. This accessibility makes binding terrifying to those who want to eradicate trans people from public life. Their usual tricks are powerless to stop binding: there is no teacher they can gag, no librarian they can defund, no doctor they can criminalize to stop people from binding. Unless anti-trans zealots are willing to ban sports bras, bandages, tape, shapewear, or even swimsuits and tight shirts, there is no way to render binding completely inaccessible.

It is no surprise then that anti-trans activists hyperfocus on the health risks of binding, often misrepresenting studies on binding to inflate the physical risks of binding and ignoring the sometimes life-saving mental health benefits. We know because one of us (Sarah Peitzmeier) conducted most of those studies. Tired of seeing statistics from these research studies ripped out of context and weaponized against the very communities who participated in and supported the research, we began to discuss turning the findings from these studies into a book. Breathe: Journeys To Healthy Binding , is a resource for those who have questions and concerns about binding, and for those who already bind and want to do so in ways that maximize the mental health benefits and minimize the physical risk. We want to help people bind in ways that are affirming, yet gentle on the body.

Read More: Elliot Page: Embracing My Trans Identity Saved Me

Anti-trans activists who claim to be “protecting” people from the harms of binding by trying to restrict binding specifically and trans people more generally are in fact making binding more dangerous. In our research and lived experience, here are six ways we have seen transphobia make binding far more dangerous than it should be for trans and gender diverse people.

Legislative attacks on medically necessary healthcare

Binding is the only option left to mitigate chest dysphoria in states where best-practice medical care has been banned. Anti-trans bills blocking medical or surgical affirming care for trans youth have been passed in 24 states , with politicians inserting themselves between patients, families, and their doctors. Trans youth who go through puberty early without access to puberty blockers may have to manage severe chest dysphoria for a decade before they are even legally allowed to pursue top surgery, assuming they have the financial resources to access it. We know that receiving puberty blockers, compared to wanting puberty blockers but being unable to access them, is associated with 70% lower lifetime odds of suicidal ideation – so this is lifesaving care. It seems particularly cruel, then, for the same people who advocated for these laws denying healthcare to also attack binding. If anti-trans activists truly cared about the potential risks of binding for trans youth, they would not simultaneously advocate for bans on medically necessary care.

Marginalization in healthcare

Trans patients who do experience injuries or health issues from binding often don’t have access to knowledgeable and compassionate treatment. Even trans-affirming providers generally receive no training in how to counsel patients to reduce their risk around binding, as medical and nursing schools typically see trans-specific topics like binding as “specialty” topics. At worst, providers may be actively prejudiced against trans people. Laws against providing gender-affirming care in 24 states can be interpreted broadly and scare providers from offering any kind of care to trans adolescents or even adults. Binding-related medical issues are thus left to worsen without quality clinical care.

Binding can be necessary to navigate transphobic spaces

Being visibly trans can expose people to discrimination, and binding is sometimes the only way to safely move through a hostile world. It is still legal to discriminate against trans people in employment or housing in 30 states, and trans people are banned from using the restroom that matches their gender in 10 states. Some trans people may present as otherwise masculine but for the appearance of their unbound chest, which would “out” them as transgender. Until we live in a world where people can safely express a range of gender presentations without living in fear of assault or discrimination, binding is essentially the only option for many transmasculine people who need to “pass” for their own safety. These people may also have to keep binding for safety reasons regardless of any symptoms they may develop.

Concealing binding due to stigma increases the risks

The health risks from binding are increased by the need to conceal it. For instance, teens who are trying to conceal their binder from their parents often have trouble washing their binder regularly without their parents seeing it in the laundry. As a result, the dirt and sweat buildup on their unwashed binder predisposes them to skin complications. Without parental support, many teens cannot purchase a binder, which is typically ordered online with a credit card. Some of these teens resort to using ACE bandages, which are more readily available but far more dangerous because they are designed to compress inflammation. One 2020 study by researchers and clinicians at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles found that teens with parents who opposed binding were almost twice as likely to have used ACE bandages to bind their chests. Teens with supportive parents had access to safer options.

Restricted access to information on safer binding that does exist

Because discussing gender identity is banned or restricted in schools in 14 states, trans and nonbinary people often struggle to access information about trans-specific issues such as binding. We have a growing evidence base and clinical expertise around how to reduce risk associated with binding—including taking one day off from binding each week, avoiding use of ACE bandages, and stretching muscles and ligaments that may be constricted by binding—but in an era of book bans and gag rules, many trans people have no way to learn these important tips. Instead, they may assume that binding is inherently painful and this is just the price they have to pay, which is unequivocally not true. We now know there are so many ways to make binding safer.

Unmet need for gender affirmation

When there is a gap between how people fundamentally see themselves and how the world sees them, they are more likely to engage in risky (but identity-affirming) behaviors to help close that gap. When trans people are chronically misgendered at work or school and are banned from medically affirming their gender, binding may be one of the only tools they have to affirm their gender. They will be more likely to ignore signs that their body is struggling with the side effects of binding, as they have nothing else to affirm them. Combine this with lack of information about how to bind more safely and lack of healthcare to address problems that emerge, and people can end up with serious binding-related symptoms.

Forty percent of trans adults in the U.S. have attempted suicide at some point in their lives. Binding can help people imagine a future for themselves that feels worth living. As one of our research participants said, “Binding gave me the freedom to exist.”

Many people successfully bind with minimal physical side effects even in today’s world. If every trans person who wanted to bind could do so with a properly fitting binder, while living day to day without fear violence for being visibly trans, all while having access to knowledgeable and affirming medical care (including puberty blockers or top surgery as desired and appropriate), binding could become safer for everyone.

It’s on all of us to create that world. We call on everyone to fight back against anti-trans legislation, disrupt anti-trans hostility, and to support the trans youth and adults in our communities as they become their most authentic selves.

More Must-Reads From TIME

• Putin’s Enemies Are Struggling to Unite
• Women Say They Were Pressured Into Long-Term Birth Control
• What Student Photojournalists Saw at the Campus Protests
• Scientists Are Finding Out Just How Toxic Your Stuff Is
• Boredom Makes Us Human
• John Mulaney Has What Late Night Needs
• The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
• Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Contact us at [email protected]

Advertisement

Supported by

There’s a New Covid Variant. What Will That Mean for Spring and Summer?

Experts are closely watching KP.2, now the leading variant.

• Share full article

By Dani Blum

For most of this year, the JN.1 variant of the coronavirus accounted for an overwhelming majority of Covid cases . But now, an offshoot variant called KP.2 is taking off. The variant, which made up just one percent of cases in the United States in mid-March, now makes up over a quarter.

KP.2 belongs to a subset of Covid variants that scientists have cheekily nicknamed “FLiRT,” drawn from the letters in the names of their mutations. They are descendants of JN.1, and KP.2 is “very, very close” to JN.1, said Dr. David Ho, a virologist at Columbia University. But Dr. Ho has conducted early lab tests in cells that suggest that slight differences in KP.2’s spike protein might make it better at evading our immune defenses and slightly more infectious than JN.1.

While cases currently don’t appear to be on the rise, researchers and physicians are closely watching whether the variant will drive a summer surge.

“I don’t think anybody’s expecting things to change abruptly, necessarily,” said Dr. Marc Sala, co-director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Covid-19 Center in Chicago. But KP.2 will most likely “be our new norm,’” he said. Here’s what to know.

The current spread of Covid

Experts said it would take several weeks to see whether KP.2 might lead to a rise in Covid cases, and noted that we have only a limited understanding of how the virus is spreading. Since the public health emergency ended , there is less robust data available on cases, and doctors said fewer people were using Covid tests.

But what we do know is reassuring: Despite the shift in variants, data from the C.D.C. suggests there are only “minimal ” levels of the virus circulating in wastewater nationally, and emergency department visits and hospitalizations fell between early March and late April.

“I don’t want to say that we already know everything about KP.2,” said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the chief of research and development at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Healthcare System. “But at this time, I’m not seeing any major indications of anything ominous.”

Protection from vaccines and past infections

Experts said that even if you had JN.1, you may still get reinfected with KP.2 — particularly if it’s been several months or longer since your last bout of Covid.

KP.2 could infect even people who got the most updated vaccine, Dr. Ho said, since that shot targets XBB.1.5, a variant that is notably different from JN.1 and its descendants. An early version of a paper released in April by researchers in Japan suggested that KP.2 might be more adept than JN.1 at infecting people who received the most recent Covid vaccine. (The research has not yet been peer-reviewed or published.) A spokesperson for the C.D.C. said the agency was continuing to monitor how vaccines perform against KP.2.

Still, the shot does provide some protection, especially against severe disease, doctors said, as do previous infections. At this point, there isn’t reason to believe that KP.2 would cause more severe illness than other strains, the C.D.C. spokesperson said. But people who are 65 and older, pregnant or immunocompromised remain at higher risk of serious complications from Covid.

Those groups, in particular, may want to get the updated vaccine if they haven’t yet, said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco. The C.D.C. has recommended t hat people 65 and older who already received one dose of the updated vaccine get an additional shot at least four months later.

“Even though it’s the lowest level of deaths and hospitalizations we’ve seen, I’m still taking care of sick people with Covid,” he said. “And they all have one unifying theme, which is that they’re older and they didn’t get the latest shot.”

The latest on symptoms and long Covid

Doctors said that the symptoms of both KP.2 and JN.1 — which now makes up around 16 percent of cases — are most likely similar to those seen with other variants . These include sore throat, runny nose, coughing, head and body aches, fever, congestion, fatigue and in severe cases, shortness of breath. Fewer people lose their sense of taste and smell now than did at the start of the pandemic, but some people will still experience those symptoms.

Dr. Chin-Hong said that patients were often surprised that diarrhea, nausea and vomiting could be Covid symptoms as well, and that they sometimes confused those issues as signs that they had norovirus .

For many people who’ve already had Covid, a reinfection is often as mild or milder than their first case. While new cases of long Covid are less common now than they were at the start of the pandemic, repeat infections do raise the risk of developing long Covid, said Fikadu Tafesse, a virologist at Oregon Health & Science University. But researchers are still trying to determine by how much — one of many issues scientists are trying to untangle as the pandemic continues to evolve.

“That’s the nature of the virus,” Dr. Tafesse said. “It keeps mutating.”

Dani Blum is a health reporter for The Times. More about Dani Blum

Shohei Ohtani's former translator to plead guilty to transferring $17M from MLB star's bank account

The former translator for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to illegally transferring $17 million out of Ohtani's account without his knowledge, authorities said Wednesday.

Ippei Mizuhara , 39, will plead guilty to single counts of bank fraud and subscribing to a false tax return, according to federal prosecutors in Southern California.

“The extent of this defendant’s deception and theft is massive,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said. “He took advantage of his position of trust to take advantage of Mr. Ohtani and fuel a dangerous gambling habit."

Mizuhara was an employee of Ohtani's former team, the Los Angeles Angels, but Ohtani "paid him separately for the additional work of driving him to meetings and interpreting for non-baseball-related activities," prosecutors said.

Mizuhara began making bets with an illegal bookmaker in September 2021, authorities said, losing wagers and running up a massive bill.

"Unable to pay his gambling debts, Mizuhara orchestrated a scheme to deceive and cheat the bank to fraudulently obtain money from" Ohtani's account, prosecutors said in a statement.

Mizuhara used Ohtani’s password to get to his bank account, without his knowledge or permission, prosecutors said.

"Specifically, Mizuhara changed the registered email address and telephone number on the account so bank employees would call him — not Ohtani — when attempting to verify wire transfers from the account," federal authorities said.

Mizuhara even "impersonated Ohtani" and used his "personal identifying information to deceive the bank’s employees" to make wire transfers, authorities said. He called the bank about 24 times pretending to be Ohtani, officials alleged.

An attorney for Mizuhara said they had no further comment. A representative for Ohtani had no immediate comment Wednesday.

Mizuhara is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday.

There were a variety of frauds, according to the prosecutor’s office.

In a case in June, Mizuhara transferred $500,000 from Ohtani’s account to an associate of the bookmaker, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said in a statement .

In September, Mizuhara needed $60,000 worth of dental work, and Ohtani agreed to pay for it with a check — but when it came time to pay the dentist, Mizuhara used Ohtani’s debit card account and kept the money from the check for himself, the office said.

Mizuhara also stole $325,000 from Ohtani’s account to buy baseball cards over three months this year, and his plan was to resell them for a profit, it said.

The Dodgers were playing their season-opening games against the San Diego Padres in Seoul , South Korea, when reports first emerged about Ohtani's potential ties to an illegal gambling operation.

Ohtani insisted he never bet on sports, and federal prosecutors have consistently called him a "victim" who didn't know about his interpreter's actions .

Ohtani left the Angels and signed a highly unusual blockbuster deal with the Dodgers this winter.

He's committed to the Dodgers for 10 seasons and is set to receive $700 million in a radically back-loaded, team-friendly agreement. Ohtani agreed to be paid a relatively low $2 million per season for 10 years before he receives $68 million for each of the following 10 years.

Ohtani is a generational talent as the first player since legendary Babe Ruth , more than a century ago, to both hit and pitch at high levels.

David K. Li is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Madeline Morrison is an NBC News desk assistant.

• CBSSports.com
• Fanatics Sportsbook
• CBS Sports Home
• Champions League
• Motor Sports
• High School

Football Pick'em

College Pick'em

Fantasy baseball, fantasy football, fantasy basketball, fantasy hockey, franchise games, 24/7 sports news network.

• CBS Sports Golazo Network
• PGA Championship
• UEFA Champions League
• UEFA Europa League
• Italian Serie A
• Watch CBS Sports Network
• TV Shows & Listings

The Early Edge

A Daily SportsLine Betting Podcast

With the First Pick

NFL Draft recap

• Podcasts Home
• The First Cut Golf
• Beyond the Arc
• We Need to Talk Now
• Eye On College Basketball
• NFL Pick Six
• Cover 3 College Football
• Fantasy Football Today
• My Teams Organize / See All Teams Help Account Settings Log Out

Ranking NFL's top 12 WR trios for 2024: Where Titans rank after adding Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd in offseason

A reordering of the nfl's wide receiver trios after the 2024 nfl draft.

Quarterback will always be the NFL's most valuable position, but a great group of wide receivers can help a signal-caller take his game to the next level. 

Following the addition of four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans  and all of the action from the 2024 NFL Draft, it makes all the sense in the world to do a restructuring of the league's top wide receiver trios ahead of the league's spring offseason programs and training camps. 

Some of the grading criteria here is based on previous production as well as what the trio could do as a group going forward. Here is our current top 12, but this list could certainly change should any other big moves go down. 

12. Tennessee Titans  

This Titans group is one of the more recently assembled ones on this list with Tennessee outbidding its AFC South-rival Jacksonville Jaguars to procure Ridley's services for the price of four years and $92 million with $46.98 million fully guaranteed. He returned to NFL action last season after a full-season suspension for gambling in 2022, and Ridley bounced back by leading Jacksonville in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. 

Hopkins producing over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns on 75 catches at age 31 is incredibly impressive given the rotating door at quarterback in Nashville this past season with an injured Ryan Tannehill , rookie Will Levis and Malik Willis all throwing passes. 

The Titans upgraded its wide receiving core on Tuesday by adding longtime Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd through free agency. The 29-year-old was Andy Dalton's go-to receiver near the end of his Bengals run in the late 2010s, and he has served as a reliable slot wideout/third option for Joe Burrow in the 2020s. Levis should have everything he needs to prove he can be a quality NFL starting quarterback in 2024. 

Treylon Burks, who has played just 22 games in two seasons, has failed to live up to his first-round draft status. However, a return to the slot -- where he balled out in college -- instead of lining up out wide -- where he has predominantly lined up so far in the NFL -- could help him take the next step in addition to learning from Boyd for a year. 

11. Dallas Cowboys  

A case can be made for Lamb being the best wide receiver in the 2023 season. He led the league in catches while ranking second in receiving yards and third in receiving touchdowns. Only 2023 Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey (2,023) had more yards from scrimmage than Lamb (1,862) last season, and Lamb's 14 touchdowns from scrimmage also paced all wide receivers as well in 2023. Eight of Lamb's 12 receiving touchdowns came in the red zone, tied for the most in the entire NFL. 

Cooks' eight touchdown catches were tied for the eighth most in the league last season, and six of them came in the red zone, tied for the fifth most in the NFL. He also came up clutch for the Cowboys, hauling in late touchdown grabs on the road against the Chargers and the Dolphins . Cooks' biggest component of his game is his speed, so it will be interesting to see how well he maintains that trait at age 31 in 2024. 

Tolbert was a third-round pick two years ago, and he was the best of not-ideal options as Dallas' WR3. How much further he could develop is unknown as 2023 was really his first season receiving legitimate playtime. 

10. Los Angeles Rams  

Puka Nacua , who was a fifth-round rookie in 2023, broke the NFL's rookie catches (105) and receiving yards (1,486) records by essentially morphing into a second ultra-reliable option for quarterback Matthew Stafford . Nacua lined up predominantly on the outside of the line of scrimmage while Cooper Kupp does much of his work out of the slot and over the middle of the field.

Kupp himself has been plagued by injuries the last two seasons after his historic 2021 campaign in which he won Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP, but playing alongside Nacua could allow for a revival in his thirties since defenses won't be solely focused on him anymore. 

Atwell took his game up a notch with Kupp not fully healthy, nearly doubling his career receiving yards output and more than doubling his career receiving touchdowns production. He'll turn 25 in October, and playing alongside Kupp and Nacua will give him opportunities to make plays against lesser defenders. 

9.   Minnesota Vikings  

How great is Justin Jefferson ? Well, his career average of 98.3 receiving yards per game is the best in NFL history, and in 2023 he became only the third player in NFL history to total 1,000 or more receiving yards while playing 10 or fewer games in a season. Jefferson joined Chargers wide receiver Wes Chandler (1982) and Rams wide receiver Jim Benton (1945) as the only others to accomplish that feat. 

Jefferson's 2023 output is even more incredible considering Kirk Cousins was lost early in the year with a torn Achilles. Addison, meanwhile, became just the third rookie in Minnesota history to have 10 receiving touchdowns in their debut season joining Sammy White and Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss. 

Minnesota is currently thin at WR3 after K.J. Osborn's departure to the New England Patriots , which is why they aren't higher on this list. 

8. Seattle Seahawks  

The Seahawks are ranked as highly as they are on the strength of their trio. Metcalf is one of just six players with 900 or more receiving yards in each of his first five seasons, joining Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Mike Evans , A.J. Green and Terry McLaurin . 

Metcalf also registered the third-highest percentage of his catches that went for either a first down or a touchdown in 2023 (78.8%). Lockett took a step back, seeing his four-season streak of having over 1,000 yards come to an end in 2023, but Smith-Njigba finished the second half of his rookie year strong. This group can continue to ascend on the strength of Metcalf and Smith-Njigba's development. 

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers  

Mike Evans is coming off one of his best seasons ever, co-leading the NFL in receiving touchdowns (13) along with Tyreek Hill while ranking ninth in the league in receiving yards (1,255). He has recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in all 10 of NFL seasons, and if he does so again in 2024, he will tie the GOAT Jerry Rice for the longest streak of 1,000-yard seasons in NFL history.

Godwin recorded his third 1,000-yard season in a row and fourth in the last five years while feasting out of the slot. Trey Palmer didn't dominate as a rookie, but his game-sealing 56-yard catch-and-run touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC wild card round could be a sign of things to come. He could also be pushed for the third receiver spot in Tampa by 2024 third-round pick Jalen McMillian, who was a key contributor to the 2023 CFP runner-up Washington Huskies the last two seasons. 

6.  Philadelphia Eagles 

Only two players have more receiving yards than Brown (2,952) since he joined the Eagles in 2022: CeeDee Lamb (3,108) and Tyreek Hill (3,509). That's it. The two top single-season receiving yards totals in Philadelphia both belong to Brown for his 2022 (1,496) and 2023 (1,456) campaigns. 

DeVonta Smith is ascending, totaling over 900 yards in all three seasons as well as over 1,000 in each of the last two. The Eagles' No. 3 receiver spot has been a role they have been unable to solidify over the past few years, but perhaps more help arrives in the draft later this month. 

5. San Francisco 49ers  

Brandon Aiyuk was quietly dominant in 2023. He led the NFL with 81.3% of his catches resulting in either a first down or a touchdown. He averaged the second-most yards per catch in the league (17.9) while totaling the seventh-most receiving yards in the NFL (1,342). He is in a contract dispute at the moment, and he deserves every penny.

No wide receiver is more dangerous after the catch than Deebo Samuel as evidenced by his 8.8 yards-after-catch average, the highest among all NFL wideouts. Jennings almost won Super Bowl MVP as he became the second player in Super Bowl history to throw and catch a touchdown in the Big Game, joining Nick Foles (2017 season). However, this trio could change should either Samuel or Aiyuk be traded . Rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco's first-round pick at 31st overall, could push Jennings for the third receiver role on the 49ers' depth chart should Samuel and Aiyuk remain in the Bay Area. 

4. Cincinnati Bengals  

Each of the Bengals' Big Three -- quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins -- suffered through injuries last season. When all three are right physically, they are one of the scariest offenses in football. 

Better health in 2024 is almost assured based on regression to the mean. Irwin could lose his third receiver spot to rookie wideout Jermaine Burton, Cincy's first of two third-round selections (80th overall). 

3. Miami Dolphins 

Tyreek Hill led the NFL in receiving yards while co-leading the league in receiving touchdowns along with Mike Evans. Naturally, he, of course, also led the league in yards per route run (3.9). 

In a slight step back for Waddle, who missed three games with injuries, he totaled over 1,000 yards and 14.1 yards per catch. Not bad. Waddle and Hill, who missed one game with a leg injury, can produce even bigger seasons going forward. Odell Beckham Jr. signing with the Dolphins on a one-year deal worth up to $8.25 million gives Miami another big name for their third receiver spot. 

He averaged a career-high 16.1 yards per reception in 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens, which ranked as the seventh most in the entire NFL among qualifying pass-catchers. However, Beckham has played 35 of a possible 67 games since 2020, including the 2022 season that he sat out of entirely while recovering from a torn ACL. If he struggles to remain healthy, perhaps rookie Malik Washington, whom Miami selected in the sixth round, could be a factor at that spot. Washington stood out as the most impressive player at the East-West Shrine Bowl earlier this offseason. 

2.  Chicago Bears  

Only one trio on this list has multiple players who totaled 1,200 or more receiving yards in 2023: the Chicago Bears. Moore's 1,364 receiving yards rank as the fourth most in a single season in Bears history and the sixth most in the league, and Allen is coming off recording a career-high 108 catches, the sixth most in the NFL last season. 

Both should benefit from lining up alongside another WR1-caliber talent in Washington's Rome Odunze, the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, while catching passes from 2024 first overall pick quarterback Caleb Williams. Odunze, a 2023 consensus All-American, led all of college football in receiving yards (1,640, Washington's single-season record) and catches of 20 or more air yards (23). Chicago adding that kind of deep threat to Moore and Allen ensures Williams will begin his NFL career strong. The selection of Odunze also vaulted this trio from sixth to second on this list. 

1. Houston Texans 

Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs said it best when news broke that his older brother Stefon, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and 2020 first-team All-Pro, was being traded to the Houston: The Texans have three players who could be the top receiver on their own teams. 

3 #1’s is crazy 😒.. — TRE SEVEN (@TrevonDiggs) April 3, 2024

Diggs leads the NFL in catches across the last four seasons (445) since he became a Buffalo Bill in 2020. Collins totaled the eighth-most receiving yards in the league last season while averaging 3.1 yards per route run, tied for the second most in the NFL with Brandon Aiyuk. He trailed only Tyreek Hill's league-leading 3.9 yards-per-route-run average.

Dell's seven receiving touchdowns through the first 13 weeks of the season were tied for the fifth most in the entire league before he went down with a season-ending fibula injury that occurred while he was blocking on a goal line run. Both he and Collins are age 25 or younger. With his return to health and Diggs' arrival, the Texans enter 2024 as the league's most dangerous trio of wideouts. 

Our Latest NFL Stories

2024 NFL preseason schedule

Jeff kerr • 2 min read.

WATCH: Every NFL team's 2024 schedule release video

Austin nivison • 7 min read.

2024 NFL Thanksgiving schedule

Jordan dajani • 3 min read.

2024 NFL Christmas schedule: Full details for two games

Cody benjamin • 1 min read.

2024 NFL schedule release: Week 1 odds, picks

Tyler sullivan • 10 min read.

Ranking every 'SNF' matchup in 2024: Rams-Lions No. 1

Jordan dajani • 6 min read, share video.

Ranking top 12 NFL WR trios: Tennessee adds new weapon

2024 season: Week-by-week schedule

2024 season: Team-by-team schedule

Top revenge games on 2024 schedule

NFL executive breaks down season schedule

2024 schedule: Full slate of international matchups

Matchups revealed for NFL Christmas doubleheader

Giants to appear on new 'Offseason Hard Knocks'

Full 2024 'SNF' schedule: Ranking every matchup

Report: No progress made on new Prescott deal