Scott Gottlieb, the former FDA commissioner, has come to the defense of Michigan State University following a controversy over the injury of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster. Smith-Schuster was injured during a game against the Detroit Lions, leading some to claim the hit was dirty.
Nevertheless, Gottlieb stated unequivocally that the injury was a result of a legal play, not a malicious act. Speaking on the issue, he emphasized, “The event was an unfortunate part of the game, and certainly not a targeted dirty play as some are implying.”
Critics are pointing to the conduct of Michigan State University players as reasons for their reservations. In response, Gottlieb reiterated the importance of focusing on the rules of the game rather than personalizing the issue.
“It’s not about the players on an individual basis, rather, it’s about the hit itself,” Gottlieb said. “It’s important to consider that injuries are part and parcel of a contact sport like football, and not every injury should be attributed to a ‘dirty play’.”
The conversation around Smith-Schuster’s injury and the nature of the hit continues to swirl in sporting circles. As nuances continue to unfold, it’s clear that the incident has sparked a wider discussion about the physicality and inherent risks of the sport.
In conclusion, Scott Gottlieb’s defense of Michigan State University underscores the age-old tension and debate over intentional harm versus incidental contact in an forthrightly contact-intensive game like football.
Last modified: March 30, 2025
