anyone whoplays on this surface should be afraid of a seasonending knee or foot injury. A few weeks into the 1999 NFL football season, VinnyTestaverde, quarterback of the New York Jets, rupturedhis Achilles tendon. Testaverde was planting his footto go after a loose ball when he felt his Achillespop. Testaverde wasnt even touched by another playerwhen this incident occurred. Testaverdes agent, MikeAzzarelli, was quoted saying This turf is ajoke...Its criminal(Lange, Record Online). The gamewhere Testaverde was injured was played in GiantsStadium, where the new Astro Turf System 12 was theplaying surface. Nine days earlier on the same field,another Jet, receiver Wayne Chrebet, broke his rightfoot while trying to make a cut to go upfield. Againthis was a non-contact injury. There has been anuncountable amount of season-ending non-contact kneeinjuries in all levels of the game. According toBarnes, of Time, players say ligaments pop becausethe surface doesnt give once a foot isplanted(Barnes, Time.com). With all the injuriesturf dishes out, there are some good aspects ofartificial turf. Injuries are almost inevitable while playing on turf,but since the surface is artificial, there are somebright spots on turf. For one thing, turf is notalive; therefore, turf cannot die, literally speaking. Since turf is not going to die, you do not need topay for water, fertilizer, or people to do thesesingle things. You do have to have someone clean thecarpet, but that is a small job. The players do notsuffer from the uncontrollable weather. Turf nevergets muddy and it always has really great traction, asyou have heard from all the injuries. Most of thecompetitors on turf believe that turf makes you fasterand have better agility. You just feel stronger,quicker, says Pittsburgh Steeler, Dermonti Dawson. You dont have to worry about it getting muddy whenit rains(Dipaola, Tribune). Since all players arebigger, faster, and quick...
