“What emerged in the research is that people have been debating whether the sport is too rough as far back as the game goes. The science is new, but the debate is not.” JENNY MERCEIN, Tulane assistant professor of theatre. Mercein is co-creator, along with playwright KJ Sanchez, of X’s and O’s, a play that examines the lasting physical and neurological impacts from playing football. They presented a reading and panel discussion of X’s and O’s at the Jill H. and Avram A. Glazer Family Club at Yulman Stadium in February. Mercein was raised in a football family.

“By restricting ballet to pure romance, the art form loses its power to make critical commentary on the state of things.” Felicia McCarren, professor of French and dance historian, said in a New York Times article, “Is Ballet Camp?”