'New' concussion guidelines long overdue

Since their release eight days ago, the updated Sports Concussion Guidelines issued by the American Academy of Neurology have generated quite the buzz. Every major television network trumpeted the news. Even the Wall Street Journal took interest.

John Doherty: Concussion law has more than one flaw

Since becoming effective in July of last year, the Concussion Law in Indiana has generated as many questions as answers.

JOHN DOHERTY: Enhancement the NFL doesn't need

Because concussion is the diagnosis du jour, more than a few members of the media were quick to question whether it played a role in the monstrosity perpetrated by Jevon Belcher two weeks ago.

John Doherty: Heady times across sports spectrum

It doesn't seem to matter where you are or what sport holds your interest, there's no escaping the controversy of concussion.

Former Chicago Bear Hillenmeyer shares his concussion history

Former Chicago Bear linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer has no trouble recalling the blow he took in a 2010 preseason game, the one that effectively ended his eight-year NFL career.

Is your school ready for the new concussion law?

It may be hard to believe on this relatively early date in July but the fall high school sports season in Indiana starts in just 20 days. Illinois will follow suit 10 days later.

JOHN DOHERTY: Dear John, readers questions tackle head injuries

Recent columns regarding head injuries in sports -- football, specifically -- have readers thinking about how to save America's game and the boys and men who play it. Here is a sampling, edited for brevity and clarity:

Where do we head next?

Last week was not a good one for football, hockey, and soccer - at least when it comes to news reports regarding the safety of those games.

JOHN DOHERTY: Silence no option with Purdue head work

A year ago, I interviewed Purdue University director of athletic training education Larry Leverenz, PhD, ATC at the Indiana Athletic Trainers' Association's annual meeting. We talked about his ongoing study on the effect of repeated head impacts on high school football players.

Lake Central adopts stringent concussion policy

ST JOHN | Lake Central athletic director Robin Tobias recently attended a concussion clinic, with athletic trainer Chris Hall, which convinced the pair to change the way in which the high school screens its athletes for possible concussion injuries, Tobias told the Lake Central School Board …

JOHN DOHERTY: Community interest translates into concussion conference

Interest in concussion and its management has never been higher. In the last year-and-a-half, Time and Sports Illustrated have been among the national magazines which have devoted cover stories to head injuries in sports. Even National Geographic jumped into the fray with a feature story in …

JIM PETERS: Hobart's Trezak hopes he has more baseball to play

When Hobart played Valparaiso on Friday in the Merrillville Sectional, Jake Trezak figured to occupy his usual spot behind the plate, the same position he's manned for three years for the Brickies.

JOHN DOHERTY: Summit on concussions, not concussion care

The fifth annual National Summit on Sports Concussion was held in Los Angeles on Friday, with experts from across the country marveling at how much has been learned in the last 10 years, while admitting there is so much further to go.

Chicago takes unique approach to fight concussions

CHICAGO | Keep kids with concussions off the field, or your school could be forced to pay up.

JOHN DOHERTY: Duerson's death a hard hit

When you're an athletic trainer for a major college program at the start of two-a-day football practices, you learn to identify the more talented players and the good guys among the freshman class.

Vonn becoming very cautious with her head injury

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany | Cautious is usually not the best way to describe Lindsey Vonn.

Tiger Woods saga voted AP sports story of year

NEW YORK | Tiger Woods' humbling return to the public eye, from his televised confession to a winless season on the golf course, was voted the sports story of the year by members of The Associated Press.

JOHN DOHERTY: No escaping concussion issue

Now I know how Michael Corleone felt in The Godfather: Part III. Referring to his unsuccessful efforts to change, he said, "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in."