Bernard Hicks, a safety on the
University of California football team from 2004-2008, is contending that he
suffers from persistent and permanent neurological injuries including
depression, suicidal thoughts, memory loss, and vision problems, due to
neurological injuries he sustained during the 4 years he was on the team. Hicks
was a starter for most games of the 2006 and 2007 seasons, but only played in 6
games his last season due to injuries.
On August 3, 2014, Hicks filed a
lawsuit against the Regents of the university seeking unspecified damages. The lawsuit claims that team physicians,
medical staff, and coaching staff failed to protect Hicks from the dangers of
multiple concussions. Hicks’ attorney
contends that the defendants did not inform players of the long-term
neurological effects of head injuries.
The athletics department released
a general statement asserting that “the medical care we provide our
student-athletes meets or exceeds the standards in collegiate and national
sports medicine.”
Several recent lawsuits involving
head injuries sustained in football have shined a light on this issue. In April
of 2015, the NFL settled a class action lawsuit with retired players for nearly
$1 billion.
Athletes and medical staff at all
levels must be aware of the dangers associated with head injuries in football
not only because of growing legal concerns, but also because of the devastating
long-term impacts on athletes, including increased risks of Alzheimer’s disease
and suicide.
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