NJ Congressmen Examine Athlete Concussions

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Two New Jersey congressmen were scheduled to hold a hearing Wednesday aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of concussions in high school athletes.

According to some studies, the number of reported concussions among children has doubled since the late 1990s. However, as few as one in 10 concussions is reported to medical personnel.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says young female athletes suffer more concussions than male athletes in similar sports.

Rep. William Pascrell Jr. has authored a bill that addresses the issue. Pascrell and Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. will hold the hearing at Newark's Prudential Center, home to the New Jersey Devils.

Among those scheduled to testify are former NFL lineman Roman Oben, a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2002 Super Bowl champions.

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