College athletes aware of football's risks: #tellusatoday

We asked our followers what steps, if any, college football programs could take to address concussions. Comments from Twitter and Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

Encourage players to report symptoms ASAP. NCAA teams must educate them about the long-term impact of not treating mild traumatic brain injury.

— @PlumbbobGreen

Except for suspending a player who leads with his head in a tackle, not much. Concussions are going to happen. Football is a violent sport.

— @JeffOstach

Football is a rough, physical sport. Players should know there is a very good chance they can and will get hurt. They shouldn't play if they don't want to get hurt.

— Richard Button

We wouldn't expect athletes to play with a broken leg. It's unconscionable to allow them to play with a head injury.

Just because there isn't a cast or bandage doesn't mean there isn't an injury. It has nothing to do with toughness.

— Ann Bingham

Players need to sign waivers stating they understand the possible injuries resulting from playing football. That way, they will take any school and the NCAA off the hook. If players are unwilling to sign, they do not play.

— Dave Russell

That may release the NCAA and schools legally, but I think morally they are still on the hook.

— Jack Blazer

The NCAA reached a settlement last month in concussion lawsuits. The lawyers will get paid, but the kids get little.

— Jim Faherty

At least the NFL is acknowledging concussions. Baby steps are better than none at all.

— @tabsebo

For more discussions, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday on Twitter.