Hours after the University of Michigan athletic department issued a 1 a.m. news release to apologize for the lack of communication that led to quarterback Shane Morris continuing to play after sustaining a probable concussion against Minnesota on Saturday, a member of Congress called upon Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany to investigate the incident.
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Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-N.J.) sent a letter to Delany calling for an investigation and for the Big Ten to establish penalties for violations of concussion protocols.
Pascrell, the co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Caucus, wrote (per CBSSports.com):
"“I strongly urge you to investigate the circumstances surrounding Shane Morris’s injury and the decision to return him to play. Additionally, I ask that you reexamine the protocols in place and determine what changes can be made to improve them.“I also urge you to establish penalties for violations of concussion protocols. Every concussion is brain damage and must be diagnosed and treated by appropriate medical personnel, who prioritize players’ health, safety and well-being.”"
Michigan is scheduled to host Rutgers—a first-year member of the Big Ten—on Saturday in Ann Arbor.
Pascrell also reminded Delany of something the Big Ten boss said when the conference adopted concussion protocols in 2010.
"“I think we can both agree that if protocols can simply be overlooked and ignored, they will be (of) no meaningful impact on the safety of the players,” Pascrell wrote."
For his part, Michigan coach Brady Hoke would not answer when asked when he learned of Morris’ concussion. The question occurred during a Big Ten coaches teleconference Tuesday.
"“We put out a statement yesterday. I’m going to let that speak for itself.”"
Hoke did express some sympathy for Morris, the kid he and his medical staff left out there.
"“I feel bad for Shane (for having to) go through this entire situation and everything that comes with it. We have 115 young men here that we care very deeply about and are getting ready to play Rutgers.”"
If only one of those 115 young men and the adults that oversee them would have noticed their quarterback stumbling around like Apollo Creed against Ivan Drago in Rocky IV.
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