Druski’s latest comedy sketch has millions of people talking, but not everyone is laughing.
The comedian recently posted a skit titled “Athletes Get Concussions & LOSE THEIR MINDS,” where he portrays a fictional professional football player named Ray Price.
The sketch begins with the running back taking a violent hit that sends his helmet flying. His behavior then becomes increasingly erratic as the video follows him through a police chase in a gold Ferrari, bizarre incidents at home and other chaotic moments.
During a mock press conference, Druski’s character appears confused and says he does not remember what happened because he “just plays football.”
The sketch was intended as satire surrounding football culture, concussions and the way professional sports organizations handle players after repeated head trauma. However, critics argue that the subject is far too serious to turn into comedy.
Former NFL safety T.J. Ward was among those criticizing the video, arguing that chronic traumatic encephalopathy, commonly known as CTE, is a serious brain disease that has affected real players and their families.
Others defended Druski, saying the joke was aimed at the football industry and its handling of injured players rather than people living with the consequences of head trauma.
CTE has been linked to repeated head impacts and can only be definitively diagnosed after death.
The debate raises an old question about comedy: Are some subjects simply too serious to joke about, or can satire help bring attention to difficult issues?