In Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal, some see a ‘wake-up call’ for sports that neglect mental health

Although elite athletes are exceedingly disciplined and determined, he noted, that doesn’t mean they are immune from mental illness. Moreover, ignoring the illness, or being rebuffed in seeking help, can lead to detrimental or even disastrous consequences. He cited the suicide of Hall of Fame NFL linebacker Junior Seau, who was found to have a degenerative brain disease, and the shortened career of top-10 tennis player Mardy Fish, who retired in peak form because of a panic disorder.