Brainwashed: The Bad Science Behind CTE and the Plot to Destroy Football

by Merril Hoge

The outcry surrounding CTE is missing something the science to justify it.   When post-concussion syndrome forced star NFL running back Merril Hoge into early retirement in 1994, research on football-related head injuries wasn’t a priority. At the time, football was heavily influenced by a tough guy culture, and little was known about concussions and their potentially dangerous effects.   Then the tragic death of Hoge’s ex-teammate Mike Webster in 2002 launched a wave of fear after an autopsy determined he suffered from an obscure brain disease—chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The media pounced. Concern over player safety soon became a war on football at every level, with one scientist even declaring youth football “child abuse.”   In an effort to set the record straight, Hoge and board-certified forensic neuropathologist Dr. Peter Cummings explore the hidden agendas and misinformation fueling the CTE hysteria machine. Armed with extensive research, critical insight, and expert interviews, they address some of the common myths surrounding the disease, examining significant flaws in the often-cited studies and exposing the sensationalistic reporting that dominates today’s CTE dialogue.   Compelling, accessible, and ultimately revelatory, Brainwashed exposes the biases and unsubstantiated claims crippling true scientific advancement in the area of CTE research. This is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of youth sports and the survival of our nation’s most beloved game.

Genres: Sports, Football, Nonfiction

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2018

About the author

Merril Hoge is a former professional football player. He played eight seasons at running back for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears. He is currently a sportscaster for ESPN television.

Reviews

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if one is not a football fan, that person will probably have heard about the deaths, some by suicide, of former football players who were suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Because of the studies that have been published about links between the collisions in football, concussions and CTE, some are concerned about the safety of the game, especially at the youth level. This book by Merril Hoge, a former NFL player and analyst, and Dr. Peter Cummings, a board-certified neuropathologist, provides a different perspective on the issue.

Let me get the bad points out of the way first – I felt that Hoge kept repeating the same points over and over in a way that made it feel he was forcing the reader to believe the same way he did instead of simply providing information. During the book, he states that the science of football causing CTE has been hyped by a willing media, but yet the title of this book is just as much a hype by stating that this is a plot to “destroy football.” While reading this, I never got that impression that the goal was to destroy the game.

Those, however, don’t overshadow the excellent research and narrative that the book truly provides, namely that there are flaws in not only the science, but the presentation of the results of that science. It was interesting to read Dr. Cummings’ views on some of the findings and also his opinion on how some of the more famous deaths of football players such as Junior Seau and Aaron Hernandez were most likely NOT caused by CTE. This is an excellent counterpoint to the news in the media now and offers a balanced viewpoint.

It should also be noted that Hoge repeatedly states that he does not underestimate the concern for safety and does not criticize any families of deceased players who wanted the brains of their family members sent for study. He simply wanted to present a different perspective and he does a good job of that. This is a book that needs to be read by anyone interested in this topic.

I wish to thank Amplify Publishing for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I am torn on this book. On one hand, it is positive to have a dissenting opinion to the current CTE and concussion rhetoric we currently have in football. Just because something is presented as a fact, does not mean that it is actually true. We need to explore all sides of an issue, not just form a mob with the introduction of the first piece of evidence. There is a definite bias in the reporting of concussions and a greater level of scrutiny is needed to discover the actual truth. However, this book had several of the sam problems it was condemning in the anti-football movement presently sweeping the media. Cherry-picking of data, bias in reporting, and convenient scientific information can be found on both sides on this issue. This book is not the absolute refute of the current influx of concussion hysteria in football and media, but is a start to understanding the full picture, and as such, is a valuable read. Also, Hoge raises several valid points on the importance of inclusion in youth athletics and team activities, that should be included in a parent's informed decision to enroll their child in youth football programs.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good solid discussion on a misunderstood topic. Well balanced, solid scientific information. Any concerns about your kids or grandkids playing football read this, you coach football read this, did you play football read this, ever have a concussion read this.

[Patrick Macke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book advocates a "common sense" approach to the controversy surrounding tackle football and brain injuries that seems hard to refute ... unfortunately, our society doesn't value perspective any longer, doesn't want to compromise or find a middle ground, it only wants to view things from the polar extremes where drama, sensationalism and hysterics prevail, and since that's what sells, that's what politicians and the media manufacture ... decisions about football, about who should play and about how safe it is should be entirely based on science and a balanced, unbiased understanding of the facts and this book makes a valuable presentation in these areas (it is well done overall and would have scored higher had it not been for 50 pages or so of beating a dead horse) ... we may never really know what causes CTE, but we DO know the overwhelming value of team sports like football and how they teach invaluable life skills that result in tons of joy for tons of people ... the angry mob will not be allowed to rule the day here, Americans are smarter than this, they can make intelligent decisions for themselves without unnecessary legislation - I stand with Hoge, he tried here to do something decent and fair

[Michael Mastrodicasa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I played football. I studied neuroscience. I now work in TBI research. This book may have been important when it was published but it barely holds up now. I agree that the information could have been conveyed better, and there are valid claims questioning the science, and the impact that fear reporting may have on players. If the purpose of the book was to be so extreme in the other direction so that the reader would come to their own conclusion somewhere in the middle than maybe this book deserves more stars than I give it.

In the last 8 years, the science has been advanced enough to show that the truth lies somewhere in between Hoge and BU CTE center. Sitting here in 2025 it seems we have course-corrected. There has been much progress in raising awareness for the players and advancing the science of brain health. I look forward to continuing to follow the bright researchers and their studies.

The title brainwashed feels like an overreaction. I hope the science continues to elucidate the truth on the subject matter and that we can all come together on this.

[Paul Kraus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hoge offers a fantastic view based on not only his experience in the NFL, but the science and lack of science surrounding CTE. His book does a great job of laying out various case studies and research into what cause CTE, possible treatments, and precautions to take in language the everyday person can understand. Hoge includes questions for parents to ask youth football coaches at the end of the book. I would definitely recommend this book to any parent who is debating letting their children play football. While it should not be taken as complete fact and should be balanced with other research and facts, it provides a good basis and guide for parents.

[Vince · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good insight to misleading information from BU but also proposed alternatives that have similar issues

[Don Shelbourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book presenting an objective look at head injury in football unlike presented in League of Denial. Good recommendations and before you condemn football read this book

[Delanie Ensign · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good learning experience about concussions and CTE.

[The_J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hoge does battle against anti-footballers and CTE. Decent and extensive, but in the end perhaps just a little sad.