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50 pages 1 hour read

League of Denial

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Mark Fainaru-Wada, Steve Fainaru

League of Denial

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 2000s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1070L

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Super Short Summary

League of Denial by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru investigates the NFL's concussion crisis, revealing how career-ending head injuries in the 1990s led to the discovery of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in numerous deceased players. The book delves into the league's persistent efforts to downplay and cover up the seriousness of CTE and juxtaposes the NFL's actions with those of the tobacco industry. Topics include graphic descriptions of brain injuries and the severe impact on players' mental health and lives.

Informative

Dark

Unnerving

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.4

5,308 ratings

84%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

League of Denial by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru is a gripping exposé on the NFL's handling of concussion research. The book is praised for its thorough investigative journalism and compelling narrative, though some critics find it occasionally dense. Overall, it offers a crucial, eye-opening read on the intersection of sports and health.

Who should read this

Who Should Read League of Denial?

A reader of League of Denial by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru would likely be a sports enthusiast, investigative journalism aficionado, or someone interested in public health issues within popular culture. Comparable to fans of Michael Lewis's The Blind Side or Daniel Coyle's The Talent Code, they value deep dives into the intersection of sports, science, and societal impact.

4.4

5,308 ratings

84%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Mike Webster

A legendary Pittsburgh Steelers center who played from 1974 to 1990, widely regarded for his toughness and strength, and whose post-career struggles with cognitive issues led to the posthumous discovery of CTE in his brain.

A Nigerian neuropathologist who discovered evidence of CTE in Mike Webster’s brain during an autopsy in 2002, sparking awareness of football-related brain damage despite initial resistance from the NFL.

A neurosurgeon and former team physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers, known for advocating the link between concussions and brain damage, supporting Bennet Omalu's research and contributing to the NFL's concussion discussions.

A prominent neuroscientist and sports medicine researcher, formerly an athletic trainer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose work at the University of North Carolina highlighted the connection between repeated concussions and long-term cognitive issues.

A neuropathologist specializing in tau protein who joined Chris Nowinski’s Sports Legacy Institute to study CTE, finding the disease in the majority of NFL brains she examined.

A former football player and professional wrestler who became a concussion activist, co-founded the Sports Legacy Institute, and played a key role in bringing the concussion crisis to public attention.

The NFL Commissioner from 1989 to 2006, initially skeptical of the connection between football and brain damage, under whose leadership the NFL formed the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committee.

NFL Commissioner from 2006, who faced the concussion crisis upon taking office and eventually implemented rule changes and improvements to research and retirement plans in response to emerging evidence.

A neurologist associated with the NFL's MTBI Committee, known for his denial of the link between concussions and long-term brain damage, and for his controversial "Dr. No" stance.

A Hall of Fame quarterback whose career was affected by multiple concussions, becoming one of several notable players in the 1990s forced into retirement due to repeated head injuries.

A Pro Bowl safety for the Chicago Bears in the 1980s who later committed suicide, leaving a note requesting his brain be studied for research, eventually revealing he had CTE.

A Hall of Fame linebacker known for his outstanding career and community involvement, whose post-retirement struggles culminated in his suicide, with CTE later confirmed in his brain.

A pioneering sports agent who represented prominent NFL quarterbacks affected by concussions, raising awareness about their growing severity by hosting informational seminars in the 1990s.

A former NFL running back who suffered career-ending concussions and later sued the Chicago Bears over mishandled injury management, highlighting gaps in concussion protocols.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 2000s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1070L

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