Highlights From Issues and Ales: Concussions and the Price of Playing Football

| July 29, 2015 

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HEAR HIGHLIGHTS FROM ISSUES AND ALES

In Alabama, football is a way of life. But after recent revelations about the dangers of football-related head injuries, players and parents are reconsidering their involvement. How are health concerns changing who plays football? How does it change the culture around football, and what will it mean for the future of the sport?

On Thursday, July 23, WBHM talked with players, coaches, parents, and scientists about the sometimes-high cost of playing ball. The program was hosted by WBHM’s local Morning Edition host Andrew Yeager.

Panelists included

·         Bobby Humphrey, former running back for the Denver Broncos and University of Alabama

·         Kevin Drake, Former UAB Quarterback and NFL Veteran, TBI sufferer, Program Director of Wise Up! Initiative

·         Dr. Michael F. Bergeron, Youth Sports of the Americas, Lemak Sports Medicine

·         Dr. Sara Gould, sports medicine physician with UAB Sports Medicine at Children’s of Alabama where she specializes in the evaluation and treatment of pediatric concussion patients.

·         Dr. Joe Ackerson, Neuropsychologist, Chairman of the Alabama Statewide Sports Concussion Task Force

·        Laura Dreer, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Opthalmology and Director of Psychological & Neuropsychology Clinical Research Services, UAB

·        Matt Price, head athletic trainer for Samford football

·        Shawna Holley, member of the Hoover Youth Football Board of Directors

·        Johnny Webb, coach for Irondale Titans

54% of support comes from members

 

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Alabama lawmakers closed the books on this year’s regular legislative session Thursday. While Republican leaders passed many of their priority bills, perhaps the most talked about issue – gambling – died.

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Alabama lawmakers have ended a 2024 legislative session that saw the Republican majority win approval for a number of their top priorities.

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