Neurosurgeon Bailes, sports law professor Mitten go "On the Issues" to discuss head injuries in sports

April 12, 2016

MILWAUKEE — Neurosurgeon Dr. Julian Bailes and sports law professor Matt Mitten will discuss the scientific and legal aspects of sports-related head injuries as the featured guests in an upcoming "On the Issues with Mike Gousha," Tuesday, April 19, from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. at Marquette University Law School's Eckstein Hall, 1215 W. Michigan St.

Bailes, along with Dr. Bennet Omalu, worked for years to make the National Football League aware of the long-term consequences of repetitive blows to the head. Bailes is a neurosurgeon from the Chicago area, and comes at his research from an interesting perspective: he played football in high school and college and is the medical director for Pop Warner football, the largest youth sports association in the U.S. He has said his goal is not to hurt the sport he loves, but to make it safer for players. During his appearance at the Law School, Bailes will discuss what he's learned about sports and brain injury, and how that information is being used to reduce the risks of contact sports.

Bailes with be joined by Mitten, the director of Marquette Law School's National Sports Law Institute. Mitten has written extensively about the legal issues associated with sports head injuries. This discussion is especially timely given the NFL's recent acknowledgment that there is a link between football and degenerative brain disorders.

Gousha, an award-winning television journalist, is the Law School's distinguished fellow in law and public policy. His "On the Issues" series of conversations with newsmakers supports Marquette Law School's commitment to serve as a modern-day public square for the city of Milwaukee, the state of Wisconsin and beyond.

Through public programming such as the Marquette Law School Poll, debates featuring candidates in significant political races, Gousha's "On the Issues" conversations with newsmakers, public lectures by leading scholars and conferences on significant issues of public importance, the Law School serves as the region's leading venue for serious civil discourse about law and public policy matters.

Seating is available; registration is required and is available online. Members of the media who are interested in attending should contact Chris Jenkins in the Office of Marketing and Communication.