This embed is invalid
“There’s always going to be a certain part of us that doesn’t want to accept an inconvenient truth.”
Those are��the words of award-winning actor Will Smith when asked about the fallout he expects when his new movie “Concussion” hits theaters on Christmas Day.
For the full interview with Simons and Smith, make sure you tune in for “Game On!” Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. on FOX 29.
Concussion tells the story of forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith), who found a frightening neurological disorder similar to Alzheimer’s disease while conducting an autopsy on a former NFL player. The disease, best known as CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), will undoubtedly find its place in the spotlight after the movie is released – just as the NFL inches closer to the playoffs.
Head injuries are a serious issue in the NFL, but last Sunday Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. launched himself like a missile, head-first into a Carolina defender’s helmet. He has been suspended for the Vikings-Giants game on Sunday Night Football.
Film’s impact on Smith
“It definitely changes what I see when I watch the game,” Smith explained to BringMeTheNews correspondent Rod Simons during an interview in New York, adding that he used to follow the ball, but now he’s aware of other aspects of the game involving the “most powerful and the fastest – most beautifully athletic – human beings on the planet.”
“I think I will feel better once the players are fully informed about the actual science of what happens during a head-to-head collision,” Smith said.
CTE on the rise
The awareness level is on the rise. According to Monday Morning Quarterback, 87 former players have been diagnosed with CTE.
Hall of Fame Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett is fighting CTE. As a result, he’s admitted to ESPN that he’s struggled with his emotions and memory – even sometimes forgetting how to get home.
Smith said the “degree of difficulty” playing Omalu was the hardest role he’s ever accepted, topping his role as Muhammad Ali in the 2001 film, “Ali.”
Smith has never won an Oscar despite being nominated twice (Ali in 2001 and The Pursuit of Happiness in 2006).
Christmas Day is one of the busiest movie theater days of the year, and with Star Wars still blasting along, the theaters are sure to be packed on Friday.
