CTE is a neurodegenerative disease that can occur after repeated traumatic brain injuries or hits to the head, with or without a concussion, and to date it has only been diagnosed in professional male athletes. In Australia, lawyers representing dozens of former professional AFL players have filed a class action suit against the Australian Football League (AFL), seeking compensation for injuries caused by alleged negligence. The AFL has acknowledged a link between head trauma and CTE and says it’s committed to mitigating the risks. The AFL Player’s Association, which represents the athletes, is pushing for greater support for current and former players, many of whom are living with the impact of successive brain injuries. Buckland said what’s most needed is a shift in attitudes, so that it’s no longer encouraged or even acceptable to expose children to activities where repeated head injuries are part of the game.

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Persons: Heather Anderson, “, ”, neuropathologist Michael Buckland, …, Buckland, Anderson, CTE, James Elsby, It’s, it’s, what’s Organizations: Australia CNN — Scientists, Australian Football League, Sports Brain Bank, University of Sydney, AFL, league –, AFL Club, Adelaide Crows, Australian Defence Force, Australian Sports Brain Bank, US Centers for Disease Control, Boston, NFL, AFL Player’s Association, Boys ’ Locations: Brisbane, Australia, Darwin, United States