Say a prayer for Tua, then let's get serious about concussions

A concussion is a brain injury, and all brain injuries are serious.

If you didn't know that before the worst week of Tua Tagovailoa's life, you should know it now.

A concussion is a brain injury, and all brain injuries are serious.

Let me say it louder for the cavemen in the back grunting about snowflakes and the see-no-evil spotters in the booth in an NFL stadium near you.

A CONCUSSION IS A BRAIN INJURY, AND ALL BRAIN INJURIES ARE SERIOUS.

You know who understands? The Alabama High School Athletic Association. That sentence is the first line of the Concussion Information Form that all AHSAA student-athletes and their parents are supposed to sign every year. That form contains excellent information on the signs and symptoms of concussions, as well as the AHSAA Concussion Policy, which states:

"Any student-athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be removed from the contest and shall not return that day. Following the day the concussive symptoms occur, the student-athlete may return to practice or play only after a medical release has been issued by a medical doctor."

No exceptions. When in doubt, sit 'em out.

You know who else gets it? The State of Alabama ...

Read more about how this state has been a leader in sports safety and why this issue is personal for Kevin. Only in The Lede.

Miami teammates watch as medical personnel tend to the injured Tua Tagovailoa Sept. 29th at Cincinnati.