Litigation Associate and Former Northwestern Football Player Discusses House Bill 200

Winston & Strawn litigation associate Sean G. Wieber was quoted in the article, "Lawyers review importance of concussion legislation" featured in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin on March 8, 2011. The article discusses legislation, including House Bill 200, aimed to improve sports safety.

Wieber, a former Northwestern University football player, experienced three concussions during his football career. "I've been in a situation where I've been removed and my gut instinct is to continue to play," said Wieber.

Under House Bill 200, an athlete who suffers a concussion or head injury must be removed from competition or practice. It also prevents the athlete from returning to play unless he or she has a written evaluation by a licensed health-care provider. The bill will help raise awareness; requiring more education for parents, coaches and student-athletes, which will allow students to make a decision on whether to play a contact sport and be at risk for head injuries.

"It makes a lot of sense," Wieber said, adding that he believes it is nothing but a positive step to better inform parents on how to protect their student-athletes.

Wieber also added that because concussions are a concern for players in the NFL, he said he thinks it is positive to have lawmakers address the concern for high school athletes.

House Bill 200, which unanimously passed out of the House of Representatives last week and now awaits action in the Senate, will apply to a number of other contact sports, including soccer, volleyball and basketball.