The truth will always prevail.
That’s the message Bennet Omalu, M.B.B.S., delivered last week when he stopped by to tour the Mind & Brain Health Labs in the UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences and meet with some of the medical center’s top brain experts.
Dr. Omalu, whose research identifying the risk of traumatic brain damage in National Football League players was the basis for the 2015 movie “Concussion,” was in Omaha to deliver the keynote address at the Better Business Bureau’s annual awards luncheon.
The man who wasn’t afraid to take on the NFL certainly wasn’t intimidated to be in a football-crazy state like Nebraska.
His message was loud and clear.
“We must protect the most vulnerable, our greatest gift — our children,” said Dr. Omalu, who has two children under the age of 10.
Children playing football have a “100 percent risk of exposure to brain damage,” he said.
A forensic pathologist and neuropathologist, Dr. Omalu said there is “no justifiable reason” that children younger than age 18 should play football while their brains are still developing.
“Sports are meant to be rejuvenating,” he said. “Children should engage in non-impact, non-contact sports.”
His concern is not just with football. He cited ice hockey, boxing and mixed martial arts as “high-impact, high-contact sports” that also should be avoided.
“This is a message of love,” Dr. Omalu said. “As a Christian and a physician, I feel we can’t continue to do this to our children.”
Helmets don’t prevent brain injury, he said, noting that children can suffer brain damage from playing as little as one season of football.
“We have a very progressive society. Our society evolves with science,” Dr. Omalu said. “The truth will prevail . . . (even if) the truth is inconvenient. Choose to do good, no matter how painful and difficult it can be.”
Born in Nigeria, Dr. Omalu was impressed with what he saw at the Mind & Brain Health Labs.
“It’s phenomenal, very innovative,” he said. “Omaha and the state should be proud of what’s going on here.”
Amazing doctor.
The truth will always prevail! Dr. Omalu and his inspiring story should remind everyone do their part in the fight against corruption!