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Young Brains And Football

Created by Renee Bright
/
KUER

Judge Memorial Catholic High School recently forfeited a football game due to their high number of injured players. When is the risk too high for young, developing brains? We look at parents’ and coaches’ responsibilities to young kids who want to play tackle football, and what drives America’s continuing love affair with the game.

RadioWest divider.

Judge Memorial Catholic High School recently forfeit a football game due to their high number of player injuries. When is the risk too high for young, developing brains? New research from Boston University found that it’s the repeated head injuries far more than a single hit that has the most lasting impact, but football is also deeply embedded in our culture, making it difficult for many people to step away from its violent nature.

GUESTS

  • Dr. T.J. Abraham, former high school and college offensive lineman. Recently testified at a New York State Assembly hearing to advocate for a proposed bill to ban tackle football for children age 12 and younger. Read his story in the New York Times
  • Amy Donaldson, Deseret News staff writer and co-host of "Voices of Reason" podcast
  • Patrick Lambert, principal of Judge Memorial Catholic High School
Doug Fabrizio has been reporting for KUER News since 1987, and became News Director in 1993. In 2001, he became host and executive producer of KUER's RadioWest, a one hour conversation/call-in show on KUER 90.1 in Salt Lake City. He has gained a reputation for his thoughtful style. He has interviewed everyone from Isabel Allende to the Dalai Lama, and from Madeleine Albright to Desmond Tutu. His interview skills landed him a spot as a guest host of the national NPR program, "Talk of the Nation." He has won numerous awards for his reporting and for his work with RadioWest and KUED's Utah NOW from such organizations as the Society of Professional Journalists, the Utah Broadcasters Association, the Public Radio News Directors Association and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.