House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today praised the NFL for its new Public Service Campaign featuring PSAs to raise awareness about the dangers of head injuries to athletes. The PSAs, which the NFL unveiled today, urge players of all ages, coaches in all sports and parents not to hide concussions and to seek medical attention before further physical activity.
Ranking Member Smith: "I commend the NFL for their leadership in helping to educate players and the public about the dangers of head injuries. Every sport brings with it the risk of physical injury. That's why it is important for coaches, doctors, parents and athletes of any age to be aware of the hidden dangers of concussions.
"Football is a staple in American culture and to continue this great tradition, it is important that we help keep players safe. The NFL's new PSAs 'Help Keep Head Injuries Out of Play' are a great way to raise awareness for athletes of any sport that head injuries should be treated by a doctor before players get back in the game."
The new PSAs are part of an ongoing educational program involving the Center for Disease Control, USA Football and the NFL Youth Football Fund. For more information about the NFL's campaign or to view the PSAs please visit http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/12/10/nfl-psa-on-concussions-debuts-tonight/.
