Comments about ‘Experience, perspective are two teachers of basketball player Chris Burgess’

Loved this article! Looks like Burgess has matured in many ways over the years. Good for him. I guess the only question I have is the opening statement: "Seated on a basement couch.." The writer couldn't have merely stated "seated on a couch?"

Much can be learned from sports! Research into the long-term consequences of the head trauma routinely experienced by athletes is invaluable to the development of new medications for Alzheimer's patients. And studying the premature and irreparable damage done to ankles, knees, and hips by competitive sports may lead to new therapies for osteoarthritis in the elderly. Many people don't appreciate what an advantage the Church's generous attitude towards caring for the disabled is for our colleges' athletes. In 1939, the University of Chicago's President, Robert M. Hutchins, banned college athletics, including Chicago's national champions football team. He declared, "Football...[has] no place in the University.... [It was] introduced only to entertain those who shouldn't be in the University."

@ garybeac
Chapel Hill, NC

"Much can be learned from sports!" I hear ya there, and believe this article touches on "life-lessons" learned by Burgess from sports.

But with your reference to "head trauma, Alzehimer's,premature damge to ankles, knees & hips," you lost me there. How does that apply to the article in the first place?

I totally support Roger Reid.

Some people not into sports here using alzheimers for an excuse. People that don't play sports get alzheimers. Carpenters receive head injuries as well. Athletes for the most part are healthier than those that don't play sports are do physically active things. Football is pretty physical but even there you can do things safely.

Nice article. Chris seems like a good guy. I remember being very disappointed when he went to Duke but I think he made the right decision.

I'm glad he is being a stand up guy and representing his religion well. I have a brother that also chose basketball over a mission and his sentiments echo Chris' exactly. It is a tough decision for any young man but even tougher when scholarships and playing are involved. I always point out that I have never heard a kid say, "I wish I never would have gone on my mission" but you will always hear regret from those that choose not to go.

Thanks for the article and keep playing as long as you can Chris!