NJ Pols Seek Federal Guidelines For Concussion Treatment
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- In the shadow of Sunday's Super Bowl between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers, some lawmakers from New Jersey are calling for federal protocols to protect local student athletes from head injuries.
Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. said his measure titled the Concussion Treatment and Care Tools (ConTACT) Act would create federal guidelines for local schools to follow when dealing with concussions.
"Saving lives is a priority isn't it," Pascrell asked. "Whether the kid is 10 years old or 30 years old -- what's the difference?" So if we want to save lives, you've got to do some smart things."
Joseph Bennett, a senior wide receiver for the Passaic County Tech Bulldogs, told WCBS 880's Levon Putney he suffered two concussions, but didn't want to come out of the games in which he got them.
Podcast
WCBS 880's Levon Putney speaks with WR Joseph Bennett about his concussions
Bennett said he just wanted to have "a big impact" and hoped to "help the team win." However, he said trainers and coaches helped him understand the big picture.
"You still got your life to live so this bill helps you get to the rest of your life," he said.
Senator Bob Menendez has also sent a letter pushing the federal Department of Health and Human Services to put additional protections into play protections for student athletes even before the bill potentially passes.
Last year Menendez said the ConTACT Act would "facilitate and make available...the most advanced strategies available to prevent, diagnose and treat sports concussions."
