# 49ers' Chris Borland retiring at 24 - say what? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [March 17, 2015, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242 "2015-03-17T23:13:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/41 "2015-03-19T01:11:52Z")
> [@russian\_heel](#): > > According to the articles I have read on the story, there’s no concussion history there. I heard a story about a lawyer who made an excessively long argument in front of a judge. As the speech wrapped up, the judge cut down the attorney: “After all that, counselor, I am left no wiser.” The attorney replied, “Yes, Judge. No wiser, but infinitely better informed.” Now that you have been told that Borland has had a few concussions, do you believe you are wiser, or simply better informed? ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/42 "2015-03-19T02:03:19Z")
> [@russian\_heel](#): > > According to the articles I have read on the story, there’s no concussion history there. Well damn, case closed. Good job, detective - our work is clearly done here. I mean - articles you’ve read? That’s just good police work, is what that is. > [@](#): > > Im not sure how Im being a “tough guy”. Have I threatened someone? No, you certainly haven’t threatened anyone. That’s one of the hallmarks of a good ITG - idle, meaningless, and (especially) aimless aggression. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/43 "2015-03-19T02:11:57Z")
It seems like this thread, along with a lot of your others, can basically be summed up with the response “Not everyone thinks the way you do.” Is it really so hard to believe someone would want to do something differently with their life than you? ---
**Author:** ![russian\_heel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f05b48/32.png) [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/44 "2015-03-19T02:59:51Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > That’s pretty much the definition of Internet Tough Guy, something you’d never say to Borland’s face. You know you are right. Im going to track him down where he is having dinner with his family and go up to him and call him names. Will that impress you? ---
**Author:** ![russian\_heel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f05b48/32.png) [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/45 "2015-03-19T03:01:08Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > I heard a story about a lawyer who made an excessively long argument in front of a judge. As the speech wrapped up, the judge cut down the attorney: “After all that, counselor, I am left no wiser.” > > The attorney replied, “Yes, Judge. No wiser, but infinitely better informed.” > > Now that you have been told that Borland has had a few concussions, do you believe you are wiser, or simply better informed? I’ve read at least 4 articles where it was reported he has no history. Id be happy to review a link that says otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![russian\_heel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f05b48/32.png) [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/46 "2015-03-19T03:03:33Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > Well damn, case closed. Good job, detective - our work is clearly done here. I mean - articles you’ve read? That’s just good police work, is what that is. Oh yeah, because all I have to do to get access to the guys medical records is download it online. All I can do is read what see by supposedly reliable news sources, and base an opinion on that. Im SURE you’ve never done that, ever. > [@](#): > > No, you certainly haven’t threatened anyone. That’s one of the hallmarks of a good ITG - idle, meaningless, and (especially) aimless aggression. Speaking of a medical diagnosis without medical records. . . . . ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/47 "2015-03-19T03:35:58Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Show me even one case of a player with that documented brain wasting disease that played a short career. How about several high school students and a guy who [never even made it out of college](http://www.healthline.com/health-news/whats-killing-high-school-football-stars-101114#2)? ---
**Author:** ![kidchameleon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/898d66/32.png) [@kidchameleon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kidchameleon)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/48 "2015-03-19T03:37:33Z")
> [@russian\_heel](#): > > I’ve read at least 4 articles where it was reported he has no history. Id be happy to review a link that says otherwise. [ESPN](http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/12501655/how-san-francisco-49ers-chris-borland-made-decision-retire-safety-concerns) [Bleacher Report](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2400616-san-francisco-49ers-sifting-through-the-aftermath-of-chris-borlands-retirement) [NFL.com](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000479460/article/san-francisco-49ers-chris-borland-retiring-from-nfl) ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/49 "2015-03-19T04:04:24Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > It’s pretty incredible they chase off a coach that takes them to several conference championship games and the Superbowl. I didn’t understand that either, I thought such a high-performance head coach would remain head coach for maybe a decade. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/50 "2015-03-19T04:05:11Z")
> [@kidchameleon](#): > > [ESPN](http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/12501655/how-san-francisco-49ers-chris-borland-made-decision-retire-safety-concerns) > > [Bleacher Report](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2400616-san-francisco-49ers-sifting-through-the-aftermath-of-chris-borlands-retirement) > > [NFL.com](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000479460/article/san-francisco-49ers-chris-borland-retiring-from-nfl) Well, sure, but how many of those are major sports websites? :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![russian\_heel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f05b48/32.png) [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/51 "2015-03-19T04:20:29Z")
> [@kidchameleon](#): > > [ESPN](http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/12501655/how-san-francisco-49ers-chris-borland-made-decision-retire-safety-concerns) > > [Bleacher Report](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2400616-san-francisco-49ers-sifting-through-the-aftermath-of-chris-borlands-retirement) > > [NFL.com](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000479460/article/san-francisco-49ers-chris-borland-retiring-from-nfl) Fair enough, after the story breaks and people reasonably ask WTF? CONVENTIENTLY it is revealed he suffered an “apparent” concussion in training camp. Im not sure what an “apparent” concussion diagnosis means, because Im not a doctor, which according to Munch, is a requirement tro have any opinion on any subject here. So, our hero gets, lets say for sure it was a concussion, in training camp, but rather than quit then decides to play the season and collect a payday THEN decides after his big payday to retire. What a hero. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Winkler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/82dd89/32.png) [@The\_Winkler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Winkler)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/52 "2015-03-19T05:21:16Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > I didn’t understand that either, I thought such a high-performance head coach would remain head coach for maybe a decade. The general belief in the Bay Area is that Harbaugh is difficult to work with and York and (especially) Baalke want someone they can control. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/53 "2015-03-19T11:56:32Z")
> [@russian\_heel](#): > > So, our hero gets, lets say for sure it was a concussion, in training camp, but rather than quit then decides to play the season and collect a payday THEN decides after his big payday to retire. > > What a hero. What is your problem with him? He got paid for playing and playing well. He earned that paycheck. But everyone gets the right to decide when to retire and for what reason. No one seems to be portraying him as a hero except you when setting up your strawman. He had a chance to reflect and think over his goals and made the decision to pursue other options. Sometimes big decisions take time to make. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/54 "2015-03-19T12:12:06Z")
> [@russian\_heel](#): > > Fair enough, after the story breaks and people reasonably ask WTF? CONVENTIENTLY it is revealed he suffered an “apparent” concussion in training camp. Im not sure what an “apparent” concussion diagnosis means, because Im not a doctor, which according to Munch, is a requirement tro have any opinion on any subject here. That’s right - I think it’s a pretty good idea to have a larger understanding of an individual’s medical history before making any claims about that individual’s medical history. Pretty radical position, I know. All we’re really left with his to take his word on it. It’s his (lost) money, it’s his (lost) career, and his decision. I’m just as surprised as everyone else that he never consulted you on it, but I guess he’ll have to live with the consequences. I hope he has 70+ years of healthy, cogent living to mull it over. > [@](#): > > What a hero. Who ever made such a claim? ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/55 "2015-03-19T12:21:52Z")
> [@russian\_heel](#): > > Fair enough, after the story breaks and people reasonably ask WTF? CONVENTIENTLY it is revealed he suffered an “apparent” concussion in training camp. Im not sure what an “apparent” concussion diagnosis means, because Im not a doctor, which according to Munch, is a requirement tro have any opinion on any subject here. > > So, our hero gets, lets say for sure it was a concussion, in training camp, but rather than quit then decides to play the season and collect a payday THEN decides after his big payday to retire. > > What a hero. So what’s the real problem here for the Borland critics? That someone didn’t value playing football as the be-all, end-all? Maybe avid football fans are a little threatened by the thought of a labor pool without an endless supply of young men to feed into the machine. ---
**Author:** ![russian\_heel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f05b48/32.png) [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/56 "2015-03-19T13:22:11Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > That’s right - I think it’s a pretty good idea to have a larger understanding of an individual’s medical history before making any claims about that individual’s medical history. Pretty radical position, I know. All we’re really left with his to take his word on it. Okay, there, Doc. I’m sure you are going through every topic and question here that relates to health, and reminding posters not to post opinions until they review medical records and have a medical degree. THATS realistic. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/57 "2015-03-19T13:39:58Z")
> [@russian\_heel](#): > > Okay, there, Doc. I’m sure you are going through every topic and question here that relates to health, and reminding posters not to post opinions until they review medical records and have a medical degree. Nice goal post shifting. Here’s what was actually stated (bolding mine): > [@Munch](#): > > That’s right - I think it’s a pretty good idea to have a **larger understanding** of an individual’s medical history before making any claims about that individual’s medical history. In Bizarro Land “larger understanding” means medical degree and professional opinion. Meanwhile, here in Regular Land, it means not spouting off before getting a few basic facts - facts that were included in all articles not of the “breaking news” variety on all the major sports sites. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/58 "2015-03-19T16:42:20Z")
I’ve already pointed out Borland wasn’t just afraid of concussions. His body is less than ideally built to withstand the damage from being a full-time linebacker already. Add to the overall bodily injury, the increased likelyhood his job would result in concussions, and the clear danger of brain damage from repeated non-concussion-inducing head impacts. To play and play well, he was going to have to wreck his body and jumble his brain. Only playing a few years was a good choice for him. One year instead of more? That’s his decision. Sucks for me as a fan of the team he played for. So what if we were counting on him to help after another star called it a career over injuries? Why is it only OK to retire after they happen, when you know they’re going to affect quality of life for decades? ---
**Author:** ![russian\_heel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f05b48/32.png) [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/59 "2015-03-19T17:03:18Z")
> [@Great\_Antibob](#): > > Meanwhile, here in Regular Land, it means not spouting off before getting a few basic facts - facts that were included in all articles not of the “breaking news” variety on all the major sports sites. Not all of them. ---
**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2015, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242/60 "2015-03-19T17:12:01Z")
> [@russian\_heel](#): > > Not all of them. Just the ones on the main stream sports sites. Face it you called people out to find JUST ONE article saying he had a history. People came back with more than one from main stream sites. You did not look into this with any amount of diligence. Stop trying to shift the goal posts. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49ers-chris-borland-retiring-at-24-say-what/715242.md?page=4)