Ray Lewis, Florida lawmakers seek concussion protection for young athletes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Florida Capital Bureau) - Florida lawmakers are bringing awareness to the effects of concussions and brain injuries.

They paid tribute to two families whose children died from concussive injuries, Mac Parkman and Ray Lewis III.

A House Committee is set to vote on a bill that would require parents and legal guardians to receive education on the risk of contact sports.

The bill would also require directors, coaches, referees and trainers who need to complete their own specified training determined by the State Surgeon General.

Additionally, this bill would establish the Florida Brain Health and Sports panel within the DOH.

At a Wednesday conference, the families advocated for proper care of the body and brain when playing contact sports.

They also spoke about furthering scientific research on concussions and other brain injuries.

NFL hall-of-famer, Ray Lewis spoke about the death of his son due to concussive injuries and opened a broader conversation about connecting with young athletes.

“What is it that we’re not hearing, what is it that we’re not saying, what is it that we’re not doing. There’s something that has to be done, if not our kids don’t have a future,” Lewis said.

In remembrance of the families impacted by concussions the bill also seeks to establish a Parkman - Lewis Day.