Who protects an athlete’s well-being when the system meant to protect them turns a blind eye?
At UFC Fight Night 257, fighter Kiefer Crosbie experienced a scenario no athlete should face.
Crosbie lost his fight due to a TKO after a devastating illegal strike and concussion. More troublesome than the loss was the dangerous lack of medical oversight in the aftermath. According to Crosbie, he was stitched up and sent away in a taxi without a neurological check, brain scan, or proper concussion protocol. For an athlete who had just put his physical health, mental well-being, and sports career on the line, this was more than an oversight; it was a failure in safeguarding.
Kiefer Crosbie is not alone in voicing concerns about athlete safety. After Crosbie described his post-fight ordeal on Instagram, fellow fighter Marc Diakiese recalled a similar experience:
“Happened to me against Joel Alvarez. You’re left standing alone, no one speaking up for you. It cuts deep!”
It is important to note that this is not meant to be a condemnation of any sports body, but a call for advocacy in athlete well-being. The reality is that incidents of athlete neglect like this are not uncommon. These situations happen in all sports across the globe and highlight the urgent need for organizations to take athlete care seriously and to have consistent systems in place to protect the holistic well-being of competitors at every level.
The primary responsibility of any sports organization is ensuring safety and protection. When an athlete suffers a head injury or any other physical harm, immediate medical assessment is non-negotiable.
Safeguarding means prioritizing an athlete’s health over the game, entertainment, money, or event plans. When athletes are viewed as products rather than valued as people, they are left vulnerable. Closely tied to this is health and recovery.
Proper medical care involves more than just closing wounds—it requires concussion testing, neurological evaluations, and structured follow-up care. Ignoring these steps can affect an athlete’s family, jeopardize their long-term health, and even compromise their life.
Well-being also extends to mental and emotional well-being. When athletes feel dismissed or unsupported, as Crosbie described, the impact is not only physical but also psychological. Confidence and trust in the system erode quickly when safety is neglected. These failures ultimately undermine performance and career sustainability. Every untreated injury or rushed return to play increases the risk of shortened careers, lost opportunities, and diminished performance capacity.
However, sports organizations that demonstrate genuine care for the athlete as a person and respond appropriately help strengthen both the athlete and the sport. In addition, these organizations demonstrate respect by letting the athlete know they will not be left to fend for themselves in times of need.
The consequences of neglect reach beyond sport itself. Untreated concussions and trauma can affect memory, emotional regulation, and quality of life long after competition ends. Supporting athletes means preparing them not only for their next match, game, or competition but also for life after retirement.
Athlete advocacy plays a crucial role in sports. Many times, athletes like Crosbie are left to face these challenges on their own. With strong advocacy networks, athlete wellbeing resources, and accountable organizations in place, athletes feel heard and supported when it matters most.
Crosbie’s story is a reminder to all of us in the sports community that athlete well-being should never be an afterthought.
At Player Support Services, Ltd., we help organizations put this principle into practice by focusing on the 6 Pillars of Athlete Well-Being.
These pillars are not theoretical ideals; they are practical measures designed to meet the comprehensive and unique needs of athletes in all sports at all levels. By adopting these measures and utilizing the resources and support provided by Player Support Services, sports organizations can enhance athletes’ well-being, extend their careers, and strengthen the integrity of their sport.
If your organization is ready to demonstrate genuine care for its athletes, extend careers, and build lasting trust, let’s talk. Contact PSS Co-Founder JJ Weber, M.Ed. joe@player-support.com to learn how we can partner with you to put these principles into practice.
JJ Weber, M.Ed., is Co-Founder of Player Support Services, Ltd., where he specializes in the mental aspects of peak performance, athletic injury, recovery, and athlete & family well-being. JJ has over 20 years of experience working with professional and Olympic athletes worldwide.
