Gov. Justice interested in bill to improve athlete safety

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said he supports improving the safety of student-athletes in the state’s public schools. This statement comes after the death of a middle school football player in Boone County.

On Aug. 23, 13-year-old Cohen Craddock took a hard hit to his head at football practice . The Madison Middle School player died a day later.

Now, Sen. Mike Stuart is proposing that all football players in the state be required to wear a padded Guardian Cap on their helmets. His bill would also require the state to pay for the equipment, although there would be private fundraising, too.

Justice, who is a girl’s basketball coach, supports improving player safety but wants more time to study the senator’s proposal.

“Head injuries, concussions and everything. Losing Cohen Craddock is just an eye-opener. It’s there all the time, Mark, and we’ve got to try to continue to do anything we can,” Justice said.

The governor did commend Stuart for trying to improve player safety but wants more information before committing to the plan. If bought in bulk, Stuart said the Guardian Caps might cost the state $60 apiece.

Stuart said the effort will also ask NFL players to contribute, as well as WVU and Marshall Athletics, saying that could defray the cost to taxpayers.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.