A Democratic-led effort to ban tackle football for kids in California will be vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom's office on Tuesday if the controversial bill reaches the governor's desk. After confirming that he intended to do so, he is in crisis.
“I will not sign any bill that bans youth tackle football,” the press release reads.
“While I am deeply concerned about the health and safety of our young players, a complete ban is not the answer. My administration will work with Congress and the authors of this bill to ensure that parents have the freedom to decide. We intend to strengthen the safety of youth soccer while determining which sports are best suited for children. ”
California could ban football for children under 12 due to health concerns
California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at the Milken Institute World Congress on May 2, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
The bill, authored by Democratic Representative Kevin McCarty, joins efforts in states like New York and Massachusetts aimed at protecting children under 12 from brain injuries and other football-related medical problems. This is in response to what ended in failure.
Outraged parents quickly spoke out against McCarty's bill, including Ashley Bertram, a California mother of three who joined Fox News on Wednesday.
“My kids have been playing for almost nine years now. I'm a team mom for every team and I have a 7-year-old here. And we strongly oppose AB 734.” she told officials during a public comment segment during a Congressional hearing last week.
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A California bill authored by Democratic Rep. Kevin McCarty aims to ban youth tackle football for children under 12. (Michael Siluk/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
“I believe [the bill] It was complete government overreach. I also think it was someone who was running for mayor and wanted to get their name out there for something big to give them name recognition to voters,” she said on Wednesday's “Fox & Friends First. ” he added.
Steve Famiano, co-founder of the California Youth Football Alliance, said the state's efforts to ban youth tackle football date back to 2018, sparking a years-long fight by his organization.
“This is a deep-seated problem. There's a lot of concern about head injuries in youth sports, especially youth football,” he told Fox News.
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Concerns about brain injuries in youth sports have led some states, including California, to consider banning tackle football for young athletes. (Fox News)
“I think the intent was right, but the direction was wrong,” he continued. “And the governor came out on this late last night and said that he was going to veto this bill if it got to his desk, telling the California Legislature to kind of get this over with and get the job done.” I think we sent a statement saying, let's go back to “and continue to work on youth sports safety, as we have done over the past year.'' ”
The shootout marks the bill's third failure, according to Sacramento's KCRA News.
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