I was listening to a sports radio talk show here in Lafayette this morning. A caller stated that a college football player who sustains a concussion must sit out at least one game. The host of the show agreed. Is this information accurate ?
I have been searching high and low for this rule and have been unable to find any reference of it. I have the 2003 NCAA rule book on my computer for quick reference.
Here's an excerpt from The Advocate this morning... Free safety LaRon Landry practiced Monday with a red jersey for no contact after suffering a mild concussion against Arkansas. Saban said he is expected to play Saturday.
And this excerpt is about Alley Broussard... Tailback Alley Broussard (bruised ribs) could have played in an emergency situation against Arkansas but was held out. Saban said he should play Saturday.
I bet the host of the radio had no clue and simply agreed so he wouldn't be on the spot. Glad LaRon can play. By the way, in case you didn't already know it, LSU is going to win the game.
If I were you, I would stop listening to that radio talk show. That has got to be the most rediculous thing I have ever heard. Obvious amateurs working there.
There is no such rule. The long term effects of concussions, and the amount of time required to fully recover, have only recently been investigated in a rigorous manner. A recent report by a neurological association, that did what appears to be a very good study, has devloped some very interesting findings. They have made recommendations about how long a player should be helod out. The NCAA has responded that it is interested in the research, will evaluate it, and make recommendations to its member institutions, but stated that the NCAA does NOT have the right to regulate this sort of decision. My guess is that within the next 10 years or so, the norm will be that players receiving their first concussion must sit out at least one week, and by the third concussion, the player will not be allowed to play again. Concussions are serious business and the strongest evidence is that multiple concussions can have long term, and disasterous, effects on an individual.
This won't apply for the Jawga game, but I for one would not be surprised to see Michael Clayton reappear on the defensive side of the ball in a Sugar Bowl matchup. How classic that would be: Clayton v. Clayton. I haven't looked that closely at OU just yet but from what I've seen, a few days after a SEC CG win (if it happens), many LSU fans are gonna sober up real quick when they see just how dominant this Sooner team has been, and how very hard it will be for us to beat that team.
