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

 

Crew of fatal US military crash included Alabama father recently deployed

The six U.S. service members who died in the crash of a U.S. military refueling aircraft included an Alabama father who had just been promoted and deployed. The U.S. government released the identities of the deceased service members Saturday.

Alabama poised to drastically overhaul utility regulation. Will it lower electric bills?

The Alabama Senate unanimously voted to expand the public service commission, and create a Secretary of Energy to address rising electricity prices. A bill in the House would go even further, requiring rate case hearings and limiting utility profits.

Musher from Alabama is going for back-to-back Iditarod wins

Riches and paid appearances haven’t followed Jessie Holmes since he won the world’s most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, last year. He doesn't mind.

Bill would move Alabama to closed primaries

Right now, any Alabama voter can participate in a primary election. Lawmakers in Montgomery took up a bill this week that would change that system.

Auburn football player uses NIL funds to open a community hub in Birmingham

Jourdin Crawford, a freshman defensive lineman at Auburn, used earnings from a Name, Image, and Likeness deal to give back to his hometown.

Ivey commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shot

Charles “Sonny” Burton was sentenced to death for the killing of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery. However, another man shot Battle when Burton had left the building.

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