Sports changes may be coming after West Virginia teen’s death

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — Some major changes may be coming after Cohen Craddock’s death at Madison Middle School’s football practice in Boone County .

Thirteen-year-old Cohen Craddock died from a head injury, just a day after he took a hit to his head at practice last Friday. His father, Ryan Craddock, said he was wearing a helmet at the time.

Aside from the local investigation, Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) said he would welcome the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission (WVSSAC) to look into the death and make any necessary changes.

Ryan Craddock said during an interview that he is pushing for padded helmets to be used for school football players , and State Senator Mike Stuart (R), who represents that district, agrees. He said he wants the so-called Guardian Cap helmets made mandatory in all state school football programs, and that the state should pay the cost which is only about $70 per cap.

“We know the impact of traumatic brain injuries on these kids whether it’s midget league, middle school, high school sports. We’re getting into Labor Day where everybody’s going to be at the football stadiums tonight. But we need to make sure these kids are safe and protected,” said State Sen. Mike Stuart, (R) Kanawha-Boone-Lincoln-Logan.

The WVSSAC issued a statement, saying in part, “An investigation is underway at the local level to determine the cause. The WVSSAC has reached out to those leading the investigation to provide support when and where needed.”

“As far as the investigation of this tragic death, absolutely. Investigate, Investigate, investigate, because we sure to goodness don’t want to have something like this happen again,” said Gov. Jim Justice, (R) West Virginia.

Sen. Stuart said he will reach out to professional sports teams as well as Marshall and West Virginia University, trying to raise money for the Guardian Cap program.

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