Football coach investigated after athlete suffers concussion
A Yucca Valley High School football player says he got a concussion at practice Wednesday after his coach told him to practice without a helmet.
Benjamin Lopez, 17, said he arrived to practice after helmets had already been locked away. He later collided at full speed with a teammate who was wearing a helmet.
After slamming into the player, he said he became disoriented, nauseous and started vomiting. Lopez said he was put on the sidelines without receiving medical attention.
Lopez’s father was eventually contacted and took him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a concussion.
The school’s principal, Justin Monical, confirmed to KESQ Monday that an investigation is currently under investigation, writing in a statement:
“The safety and security of our students is paramount. The situation is currently under investigation, and Yucca Valley High School is working with the Morongo Unified School District to ensure the proper procedures and protocols are in place to promote safe participation in its activities. We are taking the appropriate steps with personnel in this matter, but as this is an ongoing investigation we have no further comment at this time.”
Lopez’s father, Benjamin, said of the situation, “We want him fired, that’s all we want. Nothing more.”
California has strict laws regarding coaches’ training regarding what to do in the event of a concussion.
And the California Interscholastic Federation mandates that “Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion must be removed from the game or practice immediately … regardless of how mild it seems,” adding that it is “A coach’s job … to ensure everyone follows these guidelines.”
Dr. Pedram Navab, a neurology and concussions expert at Desert Regional Medical Center, said, “If a concussion occurs, either a trainer or coach should go out there — observe the clinical symptoms and pull the student or the concussed out of the game.”
He also said that helmets are protective against concussions – but only to an extent.
“(Helmets) will probably lessen the blow a little bit but it’s really more (to protect) the skull,” Dr. Navab said. “It can help a little bit with concussions but even people who sustain concussions and wear helmets can get concussed.”
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