The Case Against Head Trauma in Sports: A Neurosurgeon’s Perspective

As both a neurosurgeon and a former NCAA Division I wrestler, I’ve spent a lifetime around combat sports. This is not a knee-jerk reaction to a tragic event but a viewpoint that has evolved over years of experience, study, and reflection.

On Saturday, the death of Irish boxer John Cooney was announced. He was 28 years old. He had suffered a brain injury attempting to defend his Celtic super-featherweight title on February 1st in Belfast and had been hospitalized since then. He is survived by his fiancée and his parents. I’m saddened and offer my sincere and deep condolences to his family.  By all accounts, he was a dedicated athlete who pursued his passion with courage and commitment. This post is in no way a judgment of him or his choices but rather a reflection on the risks that this sport inherently carries.

I believe in the value of discipline, resilience, and training that combat sports can instill. Boxing gyms that emphasize fitness, technique, and conditioning have tremendous benefits. But as a neurosurgeon, I can’t ignore the reality: repeated blows to the head are never good for the brain. The idea that we can truly "protect" the brain in a sport designed around punching it is, quite frankly, a myth.

We’ve made incredible advancements in understanding brain trauma. The evidence is clear: multiple concussions or multiple sub concussive blows lead to long-term consequences, from cognitive decline to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). And yet, we still celebrate a sport where the objective is to incapacitate an opponent by striking their head.

It’s time to ask ourselves: Are we really okay with this? Can we, as a society, continue to endorse an activity that knowingly puts brain health at risk?

Some traditions persist despite the evidence against them. But progress demands we confront hard truths, even when they challenge long-held beliefs.

I welcome the discussion.