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Congressman calls on Big Ten to investigate concussion suffered by Michigan QB

Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

A U.S. Congressman wants Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany to investigate why Michigan allowed injured quarterback Shane Morris back into the game Saturday.

CBS Sports reported that Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-N.J.) sent a letter Tuesday to Delany seeking an investigation. He also wants the Big Ten to establish penalties for violations of concussion protocols. 

Pascrell is co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force and emphasized the lasting effects of concussions in his letter:

I strongly urge you to investigate the circumstances surrounding Shane Morris's injury and the decision to return him to play. Additionally, I ask that you reexamine the protocols in place and determine what changes can be made to improve them. I also urge you to establish penalties for violations of concussion protocols. Every concussion is brain damage and must be diagnosed and treated by appropriate medical personnel, who prioritize players' health, safety, and well-being.

Shortly before 1 a.m. EST on Tuesday morning, Michigan's director of athletics Dave Brandon released a statement regarding quarterback Shane Morris, who was left in Saturday's game after taking a hit that left him wobbling on the field. Brandon said Morris was diagnosed with a "probable, mild concussion, and a high ankle sprain." 

Brandon also apologized for the "serious lack of communication" during the ordeal. 

That came after coach Brady Hoke continued to assert to reporters on Monday that Morris had suffered an ankle injury. He came under fire on Sunday for comments made after the game, in which he said he wasn't aware whether or not Morris sustained a concussion, and that Morris is a "tough kid."

Responding to criticism on Monday, the coach assured reporters that "we would never, ever put a guy on the field when there is a possibility of head trauma."

Pascrell doesn't seem convinced. He helped pass legislation in 2010 after the death of a New Jersey high-school football player. The legislation called for guidelines and protocols for the management and treatment of sports-related concussions.

In his letter, Pascrell urged the Big Ten to create stiff penatlies for schools that violate concussion protocol. 

“I think we both can agree that if protocols can simply be overlooked and ignored, they will be (of) no meaningful impact on the safety of players,” Pascrell wrote.

The Big Ten did not immediately respond to CBS Sports for a request for comment. 

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