Eniola Aluko Quotes

The referee will now keep track of the time on the field and the shootouts have finally been banned.

I just think more precaution should be taken when I'm inside the pocket. Look at all the replays - I'm on the ground every time. It's unfortunate for myself, it's unfortunate for my team and I'd be lying if I sat here and said I wasn't frustrated right now.

Sidney Crosby, our greatest player, I don't want to see Sidney Crosby in the penalty box. I don't want to see Sidney Crosby hurt. I want to see Sidney Crosby play.

We, as a league, must do a better job of protecting the integrity of the game and the safety of our players.

Player safety has been an essential focus for us for a number of years.

As the equipment has gotten better - and it's gotten better in an attempt to try to protect the player more - then the equipment becomes used more as a weapon.

As a defender it can also be more frustrating to play in Italy because referees do not tolerate too much physical contact. I loved the physical nature of the game in England, but in Serie A I only have to look at a player and they sometimes fall to the floor!

English Premier League is much harder and quicker, and also, the referees are totally different because in England, they don't whistle after every small contact like in Germany.

We had a reward system and a protection system. We would reward players for big plays, things that can help your team win. And then also, we paid guys money for protection, especially guys who couldn't protect themselves and especially offensive players.

Am I afraid of Madrid's violent play? No, every team plays according to their possibilities, and there's a referee who should judge.

It's a tough situation as a defender to be put in. I understand what they're doing trying to protect quarterbacks. I've been on the receiving end of a few of those where you appreciate them trying to take care of you a little bit, but I do see the conflict that it puts a defender in.

I'm always a player who has taken fairly rough treatment, to be honest. I think my time in Scotland typified that because I think there was one game where I set a record for being fouled ten or 11 times in a game.

My experience over my five years at Wisconsin and my one year in the NFL was that there were times where I couldn't play the game safely. There are positive measures we can take... but on a lead play, on a power play, there's violence.

I was actually worried about David Ross safety being in Cleveland. I thought I had to be a bodyguard.

As a player you don't want to hurt someone and you don't want to see someone leave the ice with the doctors.

I'd hate to see the game I love go away because it is considered too dangerous and parents are scared to allow their kids to play.

Sometimes officials should look at English football and let us play more. I like their system because, in Europe, their referees are more lenient.

Always protecting the players is not good.

We've all had meetings with the referees. We're all clear with how VAR works, and ultimately, you want the rules to be fair.

There are a plenty of shots that I have been amazed by, but a lot of these shots are played because you have worn an iron mask. Take away the protection, and let me see if they play them. Don't forget that the past players did not have any protection.

I have a little easier time watching the NFL than college or high school. I used to go to the high school games, and now I have trouble with it. The NFL players get big rewards from it. I feel at least the NFL has made big changes to help their safety. And they're adults - they can make good decisions.

Heads Up Football is a comprehensive youth and high school football membership program developed by U.S.A. Football and supported by the NFL and other leaders in sport and medicine to advance player safety.

As a player, I don't want to come off the field.

In England, the referee doesn't blow his whistle.

I'm very proud of high school, college and pro football, the strides have been made to make it a safer game.