U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez has put forth legislation that could provide millions of dollars to prevent and treat concussions in young athletes.

Menendez, D-N.J., introduced legislation in the Senate on Friday that would create a five-year, $5 million grant program, with money to be sent to states so they can develop best practices for treating concussions suffered by middle school and high school athletes. Schools also would be able to set up more standardized post-concussion neuropsychological testing that would allow better diagnosis and treatment of concussions.

"Great strides in the prevention, diagnosis and management of concussions have been made in recent years," Menendez said. "We want to make sure that the most advanced strategies are being implemented for our high school and middle school athletes."

Concussions have become an increasingly recognized and discussed problem in sports, particularly football. In recent years, independent studies have found professional football players are more prone to long-term brain damage due to repeated head trauma.

A study headed by former Harvard University football player Chris Nowinski looked at the brain tissue of former Philadelphia Eagles player Andre Waters - who fatally shot himself in the head - and other former players who died after suffering unusual mental and emotional problems. They reported findings consistent with much older people suffering from Alzheimer's disease-like problems.

In response, several National Football League officials and former players spoke before a congressional panel last month. The league also has tightened restrictions on allowing players to return to play after concussions, a move that resulted in Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner missing games recently. Former players such as Tiki Barber have spoken publicly about the effects of concussions, which ended the careers of players such as Troy Aikman and Steve Young.

Menendez's bill is accompanied by a companion bill in the House of Representatives sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-8th.

Contact Daniel Walsh:

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DWalsh@pressofac.com