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Minimum Age For Tackle Football Gets Initial OK

AP
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AP
From left, Tregg Duerson, Illinois state Rep. Carol Sente, D-Vernon Hills, and former Chicago Bears' Mike Adamle pose for a photo after a news conference in support of the Dave Duerson Act to Prevent CTE on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, in Chicago.

A plan to prohibit tackle football among the youngest children to prevent head trauma is moving to the Illinois House floor for a vote.

The Mental Health Committee endorsed state Rep. Carol Sente's legislation 11-9. The Vernon Hills Democrat aims to delay head blows routine in tackle football that have been linked to the degenerative brain condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy. It is a progressive disease characterized by memory loss, depression, violent tendencies and other cognitive problems.

Among the phalanx of experts and widows of CTE victims was Tregg Duerson. He is the son of the legislation's namesake, former Chicago Bears defensive safety Dave Duerson. The elder Duerson shot himself at age 50 after suffering from CTE.

Several committee members who voted "no" complained that opponents were not given a chance to speak.

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