Daniel Bukal, a former high school quarterback, has filed a lawsuit against the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), arguing that the athletic body insufficiently has managed concussions sustained by young football players. Bukal alleged he suffers from migraines and memory loss because of several concussions he had while playing football for Notre Dame College Prep from 1999 to 2003.
The lawsuit seeks remedies similar to a plan proposed in a concussion lawsuit against NCAA that was settled in July. Bukal proposes the IHSA to set up a fund to monitor high school players who sustained concussions for symptoms of any traumatic brain damages. Further, he seeks injunctive relief to implement statewide concussion protocol that includes base-line testing, monitoring players’ concussions, and mandating medical personnel at games and practices to name a few. While Illinois has enacted the Protecting Our Student Athletes Act (the Act) in 2011 giving the IHSA authority to implement the Act, the rules promulgated do not meet “the industry standard protocols and practices widely understood today,” according to the lawsuit.
IHSA Executive Director Mary Hickman said in a statement, “Student-athlete risk minimization, especially as it relates to concussion management in high school football, is and remains a top priority of the IHSA,” and “We believe that the IHSA, in working with national partners like the [National Federation of State High School Associations], has and will continue to be a leader in this area.”
On a related note, Ohio State University football player Kosta Karageorge was found dead of apparent suicide on November 30. It was reported that Karageorge sent his last text message to his parent blaming the concussions for his mental problems. A special examination of his brain will be conducted to look for any signs of traumatic brain injury.
Coroner Orders Examination of Brain of Ohio State Player Kosta Karageorge