Concussion management in sports under scrutiny after former AFL player’s death

The recent coronial inquest into the death of former AFL player Shane Tuck has brought attention to the management of concussion in sports. Tuck tragically died by suicide in 2020, and the inquest is examining whether it was linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a severe brain disease he suffered from due to his football and boxing careers.

During the inquest, neurosurgeon Robert Cantu, an expert in sporting brain injuries, emphasized the need for individualized concussion management rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. He particularly highlighted the issues with the stand-down periods set for boxers after a fight, calling them “cookie cutter stuff.” Cantu argued that the severity of the injury and the individual’s well-being should guide how long someone stays out, rather than following arbitrary timeframes.

The autopsy revealed that Shane Tuck had “severe” CTE, a condition that can only be diagnosed after death and can lead to behavior changes like depression and paranoia. Tuck had experienced several head knocks during his career, playing 173 games for Richmond Tigers and participating in five professional boxing matches.

Cantu expressed concerns about whether Australian boxing authorities have adequately addressed the long-term effects of headknocks and CTE in their policies. He pointed out that repetitive “subconcussive” blows, which may not cause immediate concussion symptoms, can still be associated with CTE, and the policies need to address this issue.

The inquest also shed light on the need for more comprehensive research and education about brain trauma in combat sports. Cantu recommended measures like boxers wearing mouthguards with inbuilt sensors and conducting long-term studies to track fighters’ brain health. Additionally, he suggested the establishment of a national body to create Australia-wide rules for sparring, where most repeated boxing head knocks occur.

Shane Tuck’s widow, Katherine Tuck, shared that her husband had suffered from severe mental health issues before his death, further highlighting the potential consequences of repeated head trauma in sports.

The AFL star’s tragic story has prompted discussions about implementing better concussion protocols and safety measures in sports, especially in boxing and Australian rules football. The inquest continues, with a focus on finding ways to protect the well-being of athletes and prevent future tragedies associated with brain injuries in sports.

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