Dover, N.H., doesn't drop football

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DOVER, N.H., Oct. 3 (UPI) -- A suggestion at a Dover, N.H., school board meeting to drop football from the district had alumni, players and parents defending the sport.

Retired physician Paul Butler said it was the board's "moral obligation" to end the sport because of serious injuries, including concussions, sustained by players.

By Tuesday the comments of local residents were clearly in opposition to the proposal, Forster's Daily Democrat reported.

Jay Curcio of Dover acknowledged the dangers of football, but said eliminating it from the school district is not the way to approach the problem.

Others mentioned the sport's popularity. One complained about "the wussification of the country," the newspaper said.

Steven Strong said he found football acceptable as long as its risks are recognized, but noted the National Football League has changed its policy in relation to injuries and concussions.

In response to the issue, the school board released a statement saying: "We need to be clear the comments from Dr. Butler were his reaction to various studies he has read and is not the opinion of the Dover School Board. Termination of the DHS [Dover High School] football program has not come before the board and is not on any agenda."