Former Cal safety Bernard Hicks sues school for medical malpractice

Former California safety Bernard Hicks is suing the university for concussion-related medical malpractice, according to the Daily Californian.

Hicks, who played for the Golden Bears from 2004 to 2008, said he sustained multiple concussions during his time with the program and was allowed back on the field too soon, which has caused neurological injuries in the years since his playing days.

According to Hicks’ attorney, Matthew Whibley, the university did not inform players of the long-term neurological diseases associated with concussions and subconcussive injuries to the head.

“The university is the players’ caretaker,” he said. “We think it would be fair for them to at least inform the players what they’re getting themselves into.”

Although Cal Athletics could not directly comment on Hicks’ case, it released a statement saying that it bases its care on the “best and most up-to-date clinical guidelines” and that “the medical care we provide our student-athletes meets or exceeds the standards in collegiate and national sports medicine.”

Since leaving the football team, Hicks has sustained “permanent and debilitating” neurological injuries that have caused depression, suicidal shots, dizziness, memory loss, and blurred and double vision, according to the lawsuit.

The suit named then-Cal coach Jeff Tedford, team physician Cindy Chang and athletic trainer Ryan Cobb as defendants.

Hicks played in 32 games at Cal, had 121 total tackles, four tackles for loss and four interceptions.

For more Cal news, visit GoldenBearReport.com.

—–

Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook