Originally Posted by
Craic
it's not the CBA IMO (but that doesn't help). This downturn started in the 80s when ESPN showed big hits. Slowly, players realized they could make a national name for themselves blowing people up. That coincided with ending Plan B free-agency in the early 90s and suddenly, players could earn MASSIVE paychecks in free agency by name recognition. Along with that came building the brand, which just furthered the ESPNball big-hit frenzy. Then, along comes this little issue called CTE. Now, players want to go for the big hit, but they can no longer head hunt or grip and rip as it usually ends in contact with the head. So, they have to try and get the big hit on the body. And thus, the bad tackling we have today. The CBA doesn't help because now, with all this other stuff thrown in the mix, coaches need to take the time and teach basic tackling, but they just don't have it. I don't blame the CBA for the lack of fundamentals, mind you, but it does limit helping players get back to them.