3-month rule for concussions: researcher

A leading researcher into the effects of concussions says football players under 18 should sit out for three months after a concussion.

Dr. Bennet Omalu is a co-founder of the Brain Injury Research Institute at West Virginia University, and he testified Monday at a congressional hearing on concussions in Houston.

He says the brains of children are more likely to be damaged by concussions.

He said keeping young athletes out of play for three months would lower the risk of irreversible brain damage.

The hearing is the third held by the House Judiciary Committee.

The first two focused on problems in the NFL and this one was called to discuss head injuries in high school and college sports.