The devastating long-term effects of concussions and the apparent mismanagement of concussion treatment among college and professional athletes have received major media attention in recent years. Do athletes especially young ones and their parents understand the physical risks and potential lifelong costs involved with playing their sport? Are injuries handled properly, or are players' careers and teams' successes put ahead of health and safety?

Written by a Harvard-educated doctor who conducts clinical and scientific research in the area of sports injuries and concussive...