The NFL has had it’s share of scandals and controversies, adding to that is the various cases of concussions called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or CTE.
More commonly known in the boxing realm, this disease is an issue that gained more attention following the GQ article, “Game Brain”, written by Jeanne Marie Laskas, in 2009. In further response to the seriousness of CTE, a still untitled film based on the article (and starring Will Smith and Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is heading to production with Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje just added to the cast.
The film follows Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith), a forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE in a professional football player. In addition to Smith serving in a prominent role, the story also explores the case of former NFL safety, Dave Duerson, whose brain was sent to researchers after committing suicide in 2011. It was later discovered that Duerson, who will be played by Akinnuoye-Agbaje, had suffered from CTE caused by years of being an NFL safety.
A release date for the film has yet to be released, but from the significance of the content it is sure to raise further concern and conversation – let’s not forget some potentially powerful performances, as well.
