On the Issues: Sports Concussions

Sports Concussions: The Science and the Law—Dr. Julian Bailes, Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery and Co-Director of the NorthShore Neurological Institute, and Prof. Matt Mitten, Director of the National Sports Law Institute

If you’ve seen the movie Concussion, you’re familiar with the story of Dr. Julian Bailes. Bailes, along with Dr. Bennet Omalu, worked for years to make the National Football League aware of the long-term consequences of repetitive blows to the head. Bailes is a neurosurgeon from the Chicago area, and comes at his research from an interesting perspective: he played football in high school and college and is the medical director for Pop Warner football, the largest youth sports association in the U.S. He has said his goal is not to hurt the sport he loves, but to make it safer for players. During his appearance at the Law School, Bailes will discuss what he’s learned about sports and brain injury, and how that information is being used to reduce the risks of contact sports. Dr. Bailes with be joined by Prof. Matt Mitten, who has written extensively about the legal issues associated with sports concussions. This discussion is especially timely given the NFL’s recent acknowledgment that there is a link between football and degenerative brain disorders.