BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

The country’s largest youth sports franchise organization, i9 Sports, has began a campaign to address concussions among youth involved in youth league football programs. Former National Football League player, Brad Culpepper, has pledged his support and was quoted as saying “I won’t let my kids play tackle football.”

Graham Chapman, Media Spokesperson for i9 Sports, said debates have began   on concussions among youth involved in contact sports and both sides have had a lot to say.

“We’ve taken a stand with the issue of youth concussions. We want to create awareness in an attempt to limit sports related concussions among youth athletes.”[private]

Orlando Gudes, who founded the Unity Youth Football Program in Hillsborough County in 2005, said he’s aware that youth concussions have become a topic of discussion.

“I think it’s a trickle-down effect from what’s been going on in the NFL. I’ve received e-mails from insurance companies asking if I needed to get coverage for concussions.”

New state laws on sports concussions are being discussed to protect the athletes, and to mandate the increase of liability insurance.

A number of groups have recently lobbied Congress and state legislators for the passage of concussion protection laws.[/private]