Doctors are warning Congress of the risk of altered lives and permanent brain damage if student athletes aren't properly protected from head trauma.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Doctors are warning Congress of the risk of altered lives and permanent brain damage if student athletes aren't properly protected from head trauma.
Lawmakers at a House hearing also heard Thursday from an NFL player who recently retired because of post-concussion troubles; a mother whose son, a college football player with brain damage, committed suicide; and a high school girl unable to keep up with her classes since suffering a concussion on the soccer field.
Democratic Rep. George Miller of California cited estimates of 300,000 sports-related concussions a year. He says the number is far higher if recreational and playground injuries are included. Miller says many concussions go unreported, partly because athletes want to stay on the field.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP 09-23-10 1342EDT
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH