I was in the Navy with a kid who had played big time college ball, then, played football in the Navy on a service team. You did not have an injury of any kind, you went in to the game when needed. Heard stories that were hard to believe, but true.
I knew a pharmaceutical salesman who sold "pills" of all kinds to a BIG nearby university. Some even to keep the coach sedated during the game. Others, to enable the players to "play at their best." In some cases, just to be able to play, with no pain.
This situation will get worse, because of MONEY, TV revenue, and, remember the coach is making FIVE MILLION or so a year, he wants to KEEP his job, so ................ YOU WILL GET IN THERE AND PLAY.
NO TEAM was ever awarded any money for "keeping a player out of the game so he could recuperate." I would imagine also, that many players wanted to play hurt, to keep the job, to stay in the game, to keep the MONEY coming in, and not get the reputation that accompanies getting "hurt."
IRON MAN ... played every game, took every "snap" ..... all positive. That is what we hear about. So, they do what it takes, "deep pockets" have no band aides on them, and that is the bottom line, the money line.
Draw your own conclusions.
