Local Pine Belt Coaches weigh in on a New Concussion Treatment; Part 3 of Special Series

HATTIESBURG, MISS. – Millions of dollars go into concussion research each year, and now a Florida doctor believes he finally found the cure. The potential cure called Prevacus received an endorsement from Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre.

After Farve’s endorsement two legendary Pine Belt coaches and an athletic trainer expressed their thoughts about the new treatment.

“The research is still out there,” Oak Grove High School’s athletic trainer, Kevin Mauldin said. “I know that Brett’s been on TV endorsing this new drug and hopefully there is something to this and there is a cure.” Both former PCS football coach Joey Hawkins and former Oak Grove High School football coach Nevil Barr made comments about the possible cure. Hawkins and Barr admitted they agree with Mauldin, being that they all are optimistic that one day a cure will be developed for concussions. In the meantime, their focus remains on preventing concussions. “One of the things as a coach you can do is preach and teach safety on a daily basis at practice,” Hawkins said. “Explaining how to tackle, keep your eyes up, don’t tuck your head down and hit with the crown of your helmet. Doing all the things you can preventive wise to help young men stay healthy.” Athletic trainer, Mauldin also pointed to the fact new regulations from the Mississippi High School Activities Association pushes for a safer environment. “If they have any signs and symptoms they can not return to play, which is a good thing,” Mauldin stated. “Because we don’t want that second concussion to happen again.” Which will ultimately prevent impact Second-Impact Syndrome, the same injury that killed a high school linebacker in Georgia named Dylan Thomas, earlier this year (Sept. 30). Mauldin, Barr, and Hawkins believe when techniques are taught properly and regulations are enforced correctly, youth football becomes a lot safer. “I am proud of what we have done to take this seriously because it is a serious matter,” Barr said, “We want to keep this game safe because we want kids to play football. The intangible things they learn in football, they may not be able to get anywhere else.” Opinions and views may differ, but the common goal remains the same. “I think we are on our way to being safer,” Favre said. “I just want to provide a safer environment for our kids.”