The Blue & White Flash October 13, 2022

Jackson State University students react to the overturning of Roe v Wade

behavior.”

Tatyana Ross Editor-in-Chief

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, allowing individual states the power to revoke laws protecting women’s rights to access abortion.

The case which led to the controversial decision, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, originated in Mississippi leading to the reversal of the almost 50 years of the constitutional right to abortion, according to brennancenter. org. Since the decision, 17 states, including Mississippi, have made abortion illegal. Other states however, still allow the procedure.

The Brennan Center reported that “In Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decided that the right to privacy implied in the 14th Amendment protected abortion as a fundamental right. However,

the government retained the power to regulate or restrict abortion access depending on the stage of pregnancy. And after fetal viability, outright bans on abortion were permitted if they contained exceptions to preserve life and health.

Some students at Jackson State University were outraged by the court’s decision believing that the government has gone too far and taken away the rights of women to choose what to do with their own body. However, others supported the decision.

Akinola Gonzalez, a graduate student majoring in coastal engineering major from Chicago, said the abortion ban did not affect him but he sees the positive side of overturning Roe v. Wade.

“Our younger generation all have a tendency for making mistakes,” Gonzalez said. “A life should not be taken away for another individual’s irresponsible

of this infringement on women’s rights next to the broadening of gun laws within that time.

“I had a lot of anxiety and fear for myself and all women. I thought about how this overturning would lead to more infanticide, the foster system being overwhelmed, botched abortions leading to death, child abuse from unfit parents, domestic violence, and higher suicide rates in women,” said Elinski.

Christine Allen, a junior healthcare administration major from California, said she agrees that the court’s ruling is unfair and thinks the law should be reinstated.

“We can’t have fun because we don’t want to get pregnant,” Allen said. “Women should have the

right to do as they please with their bodies.”

Another JSU student recalled her experience with her first abortion at Mississippi’s last operational abortion clinic, Jackson Women’s Health Organization, also known as the Pink House.

She was 20 years old when she was left to deal with the pressures of having an abortion. She said that she feels the government has taken away some of her rights as a woman.

“The first time I went to the pink house, I was alone. The dad didn’t want anything to do with it after the first day,” she said. “I remember parking down the street from it because the parking lot was full.”

The anonymous student said she was greeted by dozens of protesters at her car door and it made her extremely uncomfortable.

“They surrounded the car. It was mostly white people telling me that God doesn’t approve of what I was about to do. But I’ll never forget the one black girl out of the group,” she said. “She got real close to me trying to whisper in my ear and I gave her the middle finger.” The clinic allowed her to choose between a two-pill process or a surgical procedure to carry out the abortion.

“They gave every woman there a prescription of 5 painkillers because they said the cramps will hurt. There will be blood and when it starts you will have diarrhea,” she said. “That night I was in my room on the floor on top of two pillows that I covered with a garbage bag I had ripped open.”

She added, “I covered up with a thick blue comforter and my roommate was literally in her bed oblivious to the whole thing. I

Water crisis in Jackson prompts JSU response

Ross Editor-in-Chief

The State of Mississippi issued a state of emergency on Aug. 30, 2022 in the city of Jackson as a result of a failure at the water treatment plant.

The Mississippi Department of Health made the emergency declaration in a press release that read in part:

Pursuant to the Mississippi Safe Drinking Water Act of 1997 (§41-26-1 et sec.), the Mississippi State Department of Health, upon receipt of information that emergency circumstances exist for customers of the City of Jackson, Mississippi drinking water system to receive safe drinking water and that a public water system emergency exists, is imminent or can reasonably be expected to occur without the immediate implementation of additional staffing and remediation measures hereby declares a public drinking water supply emergency in the City of Jackson, Mississippi.

Such Declaration is based upon information received by the Mississippi State Department of Health (“MSDH”) as follows:

• Insufficient number of certified operators at J.H. Fewell and O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plants

• Insufficient number of maintenance staff at all water treatment plants and to support the distribution system

• Failure of multiple raw water pumps at O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant

• Low levels of water in storage tank

• Low water pressure impacting proper sanitation and education opportunities

• Disinfection levels not consistently optimal developing the potential to have the presence of enteric organisms, including but not limited to, E.Coli, Cryptosporidium, or Giardia in the drinking water being served to customers.

D’Quain Young, Jackson, Miss. native, said he feels that the water crisis has forced the community to come together but it has truly shown the cracks in his hometown.

“Being from Jackson, the surrounding towns seem more well-restored, but not us,” Young said. “If Jackson is going to come back from this we have to go back to the roots and fix our pipes and roads.”

Joliyah Daughtry, a senior journalism and media studies major lives in Byram but her small town relies on Jackson’s water system, said the water crisis

has made small things in her life complicated.

“I have to find places that have water. Water is sold out at all of the stores and by the time the water distribution has started, water is gone,” Daughtry said. “I’m trying to maintain but it’s hard because I’m lacking the basics.”

Aside from the citywide boil water alert, some Jackson residents experienced issues with the water pressure. This left several residents, businesses, and schools with little or no running water.

Hannah Russell, a political science major from Biloxi, Miss., shared that her struggles started when the city of Jackson announced the newest boil water alert. Russell said a shower caused her to contract an eye infection.

“I am lucky to be someone on campus who has family in the surrounding areas of Jackson,” Russell said. “So when the time came, they stepped up and allowed me to shower, eat, sleep and took care of me in general when the crisis started.”

Most schools in Jackson switched to virtual learning to make it more convenient for students. On college campuses, some students worried about the sudden changes to their everyday schedules.

Grace Ann Elinski, a junior English major from Jackson, Miss., thinks that leaving abortion rights to the state is unconstitutional and she could not believe the contrast

Taylor said. “It was one afternoon I needed to do dishes and the running water was very discolored and not clear. I sometimes had to pour bottled water down the toilet just to get it to flush.”

Taylor said he has friends who have moved back home until conditions become better but he

Ja’Quawn Taylor, a business administration major from Gulfport, Miss., said the water crisis puts a strain on his daily routine.

“The Walter Payton Center being closed has changed what I do for my morning workouts. I have to get up extra early to use the portable showers and go off campus just to do laundry,”

Tatyana

Jackson resident receives water during JSU water distribution event.

Photo by William Kelly III

Editorial Staff

Roe v. Wade negatively impact the lives of college students

but as young women it was something we felt was necessary in order to be viewed as valuable and worthy in our own family and community.

However, society fails to realize there are several circumstances that can cause an unwanted pregnancy ranging from faulty contraceptives, untimely miscarriages, and even situations that involve assault.

to women’s rights and that is not fair. It feels like the “pro-lifers” won the battle but I will always choose to be “pro-choice”.

There will never be a man who understands exactly what a woman has to go through when it come to the topic of abortion because men are unable to become pregnant. So, they cannot understand the physical, emotional, and mental toll that comes with it.

no longer in service and the owner has since sold the building and she said she is relocating to New Mexico.

So, I think that the turnover of Roe V. Wade is unconstitutional; the government has no right to tell a woman what she can and cannot do with her body.

Ross Editor-in-Chief

I was born and raised in Montgomery, Ala. and there has never been a positive association with aboortion.

Even when I was little

I remember when my older cousins and some of their friends would have to devise an elaborate plan to get abortions so that none of our families would find out.

Looking back on those times, this was not safe

So, initially I was shocked by the abortion ban because it did not seem real to me at first. The reversing of 50 years of federal access to abortion is mind boggling and leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I don’t know what to expect to lose next.

With abortion laws banned this puts women’s families, health, and safety at risk. There is no protection when it comes

Women have been left vulnerable by the laws of the state. This has definitely had a large impact on me and my peers in the college community. We collectively feel that we have no room for mistakes.

Jackson Women Health Organization also known as “The Pink House”, was the last operating abortion clinic in the state of Mississippi.It is

The abortion ban is not nationwide but 17 states have banned abortions and Planned Parenthood still has locations to acquire legal abortions and it is legal to travel across state lines for abortions.

I sympathize with women across the U.S. that are affected by the abortion ban because we need to stand strong together to get our rights back.

The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.

does the turnover of Roe v Wade affect college students?”

by: Jamirea Lacy

“I know many girls that would have to leave school and give up on college because of the overturning of Roe v Wade.”

Tatyana

Compiled

Shelecia Bennett Freshman Finance

“College students are broke and cannot afford to start a family.”

Lidarrius Brooks Junior Healthcare Admin.

“Students are prone to make mistakes and unfortunate circumstances happen. Young women deserve a choice.”

Jaylin Bracy Sophomore Early

Childhood Educ.

“I don’t believe college students are the main people affected by the overturning of Roe v Wade.”

Keanna

English Freshman Journalism&MediaStudies

“College students have more independence which means more mistakes, and college girls need a choice.”

Alexandria

Vassel-Thornton Sophomore Computer Science

“College students deserve a choice of whether to keep or not keep a child. They have little resources and are not financially stable.”

Tiana Botic Freshman Psychology

“College means freedom, which means more room for mistakes. One mistake should not have to change the projection of your whole life.”

Jasmine

Tolbert Freshman Entrepreneurship

“Roe v. Wade put many college students in a bad predicament because they can’t have a say on their own bodies.”

Tajae Robb

Sophomore

Business Administration

“College students don’t always make mature decisions, the overturning of Roe v Wade leaves little room for mistakes.”

Kiana Mabry

Sophomore Early Childhood Educ.

“I think it’s a very serious epidemic and many take it to get through their class schedule but they need to get counseling.”

Alana

Sampson Junior Healthcare Admin.

“College students are young and not equipped with the right resources to have the responsibility of a child.”

Myesha Nealon Junior Electrical Engineering

“I believe the overturning of Roe v Wade will force college students to make more responsible decisions.”

“How

Graphic by Cameron Adams

COMMENTARY

Jordyn Hill

Sophomore Accounting

Photos by Monica McGhee

Photos byWilliam H. Kelly

The Woman King sheds light on Africans role in slave trade

Antonio Jackson Staff Writer

Much of history recounts the plight of African-Americans during the slave trade and the subsequent oppression of people of color. But now a different perspective has hit the movie screens. “The Woman King” movie portrays what African’s experienced during the slave trade.

The most important thing about “The Woman King” that must be highlighted is its story. The film’s plot is heavily centered around the trauma that Africans faced during the slave trade and what they went through. The movie does not hesitate to use shocking scenes to educate the audience. With each twist and conflict, it is very difficult to break your attention away from the story.

The movie did well on tearing through the surface on the early days of black enslavement, and sheds light on a matter that isn’t often explored. The film brings forth the knowledge that Africans also played a pivotal role in helping the slave traders.

It mentioned several things that divided them as a people. Such as selling their own people for fortune and having them fight and even killing one another.

The cinematography of the movie is unmatched. The music, camera angles and acting were

The

paths for dialogue.

This makes the movie more honest than anything. It offers more elements of history to be unpacked and reviewed.

In fact, “The Woman King” does the opposite of both claims. The film does not shy away from the brutal history of violence among African tribes, all the while explaining this history as more than plain savagery.

It was about fighting for what they felt was right, by any means necessary. Some African tribes did contribute to the slave trade, but there were tribes who were against it also.

The movie is not as plain cut as it may seem from an outside perspective. This film asks for a deeper way of thinking and understanding history for what it was.

Overall, “The Woman King” sheds light on a side of history that raises attention and dialogue amongst the people, but ultimately shares a positive message. It spreads the message of unity, and that we as a people are stronger together rather than separated.

According to IMBD, the movie made over $19 million during the opening weekend and has grossed almost $65 million worldwide.

Besides Davis, Thuso Mbedo stars as an ambitious young recruit. Lashawna Lynch, Sheila Atim, and John Boyega also round out the cast.

Smile movie brings the horror back to theaters in time for Halloween

Ayliahna Wilson Staff Writer

According to movieweb. com, in 2020, Finn released a short film “Laura Hasn’t Slept” which won him many awards, giving him the green light to write and direct Smile.

The films are quite similar, but he gave his story a few tweaks to make it even more horrific and further his idea. The main character, Dr. Rose Cotter was played by Sosie Bacon. She played her role extremely well and I could almost feel the emotions she was going through. It was the look in her eyes that just really did it for me.

I could see the pain and horror in them, and the closeups definitely added to that feeling as well. But, we’ll get into that a little bit later. Seeing her transition throughout the movie from seemingly sane to losing her mind really made me appreciate actors more. I could not imagine having to take myself to a dark place to complete such creepy scenes.

I usually find it difficult to

be frightened by new-age scary movies, but “Smile” left me feeling a bit uneasy. At first I thought that a movie filled with odd and kind of funny-looking smiles wouldn’t be that scary, but boy was I wrong. The trailer definitely did not prepare me for how creepy this film would be.

The amount of jump scares left me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next, and when the scariness would end. Ten minutes could not go by without me or someone next to me shrieking about what just happened on the screen.

The uneasiness I felt came from the dark and rather graphic

scenes throughout the film. I’m not sure why it’s so hard to look away from gruesome things, but I could not stop watching. I think this is because of how well Finn executed each scene, he leaves you wanting to know more and wondering why that just happened.

I appreciated the different ways he chose to shoot scenes as well. Whether that be closeups, changes in lighting, or just shooting from multiple different angles, it really brings character to the current scene the audience is watching.

For this to have been Finn’s feature directorial debut, he

did such great work behind the camera.

Finn used a different approach than most by using audio to help transition into the next scene. Sometimes it was a bit overbearing, but I see why he chose to use that in this film. The eerie music used throughout the movie helped tie everything together, furthering the movie’s intensity.

With the bass getting louder and louder, it brings meaning to the scenes. Almost every scene ended with some sort of tension, building the audience up for what was about to happen next.

The movie made $22 million

during the opening weekend of Sept. 30 and has grossed a total of $95 million worldwide since its release.

Overall, I think that Finn did a great job at figuring out what would creep out the audience the most. Each scene left me asking myself questions that the film is wanting the audience to ask. You go along on this journey with the main characters, leaving it to be a rather investigative film.

My final letter rating for “Smile” would be an A. It was a great thriller and satisfying horror, and I cannot wait to see more from Finn in the future.

Succession play shows the pitfalls of over-ambition for actors

Jones Staff Writer

The College of Liberal Arts Department of Art and Theatre presented the university’s rendition of the play “Succession” on Oct. 6. The play was directed by Department Chair Mark G. Henderson and lasted Oct. 10 in the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium.

“Succession” is the depiction of an aged actor, Marcus Chandler (Christian Johnson), who is selfcentered around his own ego and accomplishments without regard of those who walked along side him. A younger actor-onthe-rise, Steven Harrison (Chandler Carter) tramples over his mentor Marcus, while rejecting the world of Black Theatre, in a desperate quest to reach the Broadway stage. The twists and turns in this masterpiece shows the extreme lengths an overlyambitious actor will take to “get to the top Other cast members included: MADDRAMA member Kaylyn Johnson,

senior psychology major Lyndon T. Hart, and sophomore theater majors Nazir Imhotep, and Addae’ Lane.

“The play will help us remember how important it is to treat people right on your journey of life,” Henderson said. “While you may think you don’t need anyone as you climb the ladder of success, you will quickly learn in life that you have to meet the same people on your way down!”

In “Succession”, the six characters, Steve Harrison, Marcus Chandler, Burton “Bird” Cooper, Maxine “Max” Favors, Billie Simpson, and Anderson Dwight are actors with Uptown Arts who star in a production called “Raisin” every year.

The lead role, Walter Lee, is usually played by Marcus Chandler but after missing auditions his mentee Steve Harrison gets the lead role and it goes straight to his head.

“I’ll do anything for this opportunity!” Steve said in the play.

Steve stayed true to his

statement using Uptown Arts as a stepping stool and leaving the entire cast and crew of the production at Uptown Arts feeling betrayed.

The play originally showed Harrison’s career in a positive light, he’s praised for his acting, but his attitude comes off as atrocious. Things took a turn when “Raisin” decided to take their production to Broadway.

Ultimately, Uptown Arts realized that their star was rotten and wanted nothing to do with the “wanna be” superstar and he gets dropped from the production completely. Only after begging and pleading is he given a lesser role of playing a son.

With his ego deflated, Harrison learned that life has a way of reflecting your actions back on you.

Associate Professor Mark Geil enjoyed the production overall.

“I loved it. There was amazing character development where fate intertwined, and then tore apart. People will do anything for success,” Geil said.

Director Parker Finn’s movie “Smile” has audiences jumping in their seats in horror. The movie hit theaters on Sept. 30, 2022.

all in sync and complimented each other well. “The Woman King” does a great job keeping the viewer’s attention and having them feel immersed in the film.

Viola Davis does nice work in her role as Nanisca, the leader of the all-women warrior group, the Agojie. Her character was the embodiment of bravery, strength and discipline.

of the political spectrum. The Alternative Right commended the movie for displaying the savagery of Africa.

The Alternative Left hated the movie for not accurately showing black resentment towards slavery. Although the story explores a more uncomfortable situation for African-Americans, it should be praised because this opens new

The action sequences in movie are spot on as well. This really added to the authenticity of the scenes. The movie uses no CGI or computer-generated images. This really added to the authenticity of the scenes. A feat that a lot of films find hard to accomplish.

movie attracted controversy from both sides

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Roe v. Wade overturned

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cried myself to sleep every night for weeks.”

She said she does not regret her decision but the stigma that society places on abortion sometimes still makes her feel ashamed. However, she maintains that she was not prepared to have a baby.

“I was going through a lot of things mentally and emotionally. And like the whole time I was pregnant, I was eating and sleeping my life away. I missed a lot of school because of it,” she said. “I think I saved myself from

She said even now she still hides the abortion from her family because she is afraid of their disapproval.

“I’d advise a woman to do what she feels is the best decision for herself and her future,” “If I’d had support, I would have a five year old today. I was scared and nobody should have to feel that way.”

The pink house officially closed its doors on July 6, 2022. According to cbsnews.com, the clinic has moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico and will call its new location Pink House West.

City of Jackson water crisis

Continued from page 1

will not let that discourage him from his goal to acquire his degree in the spring.

“I know it took a mental toll on some people because they might have never been in a situation like this before,” Taylor said. “Some people may feel isolated with the lack of socialization compared to what we’re used to on a normal day on campus.”

According to WLBT, local YMCA locations were allowing students from Millsaps, Belhaven, and Jackson State to use showers for free with their student IDs.

Some Jackson residents are not happy with the way the city handled issues regarding the water crisis.

“Despite this being an ongoing problem, city officials always react to the situation instead of being proactive and getting ahead of the problem,” Russell said. “So that people aren’t having to scramble to provide safe water for their families. Safe water should be a basic human right, but Jackson 9 (residents) have been denied that for over a decade.”

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All of those interviewed for this story expressed that the water crisis could have been prevented if Jackson’s operated with an updated water system.

“It’s no reason the state capital should have to go through all of this, regardless of what ethnicity is populated here in Jackson,” Taylor said.

Daughtry suggested a solution to fix the water issues.

“I feel as though city officials and even our government needs to be replaced. The capital city should NOT have to struggle for WATER! No one should,” Daughtry said.

Daughtry is not alone in her feelings, Russell also said she wants to see a change in representatives.

“The change needs to be the people in power, the people who have never made any effort to find a solution to this ongoing water problem,” Russell said. “If they continue to be given a position in our state government, I fear they will return to their old ways when the national coverage is taken from Jackson.”

In a press conference held on Labor Day, Gov. Tate Reeves confirmed the restoration of Jackson’s water pressure. Reeves is open to several long-term solutions and revealed to reporters that solutions may include leasing the Management of Jackson’s water system to a private company.

“We know that it is always possible that there will be more severe challenges. This water system broke over several years and it would be inaccurate to claim it is totally solved in the matter of less than a week,” Reeves said.

The boil water notice for City of Jackson water customers was lifted on Sept. 15, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.

Unfortunately, the City of Jackson Water/Sewer Utilities Division has issued another precautionary boil water advisory until further notice for all surface water connections effective Sept 30.

This has caused Jackson State to once again close their Starbucks location temporarily.

However, Burger King is still open Monday through Thursday at 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday through Sunday at 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The hours of the Legacy remain the same Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lady Tigers leave it all on the court during NCAA tourney

Adams Sports Editor

Jackson State University Volleyball team loses MidWeek Match Up.

Jackson State’s volleyball team fell to Louisiana Tech 25 -20, 21 - 25 and 25 - 22 on Oct. 5 at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center.

The mid-week match up was themed “Greek Night “, and the fraternities and sororities of Jackson State cheered on the Lady Tigers, following a dominant performance against Mississippi Valley State University.

Jackson State’s middle blocker Naveah Bray opened

the game with the first kill of the night, but the Techsters responded aggressively, forcing a 9-5 lead shortly after.

Although the Tigers were trailing, they remained determined to cut the deficit.

An ace served by freshman Karys Dove forced JSU to trail by one, 16-15. La Tech pushed through, ending the set 25-20.

Dove also finished the game with 34 assists, a new season high.

The second set was a grueling battle for the Tigers.

Louisiana Tech opened the set with a 4-0 run, causing JSU to respond with a three-point run of their own.

The Techsters remained aggressive and forced another run, pushing the lead to 11-4.

Facing yet another large deficit, the Tigers were in need of a spark to keep hope alive. Bray claimed the spark they needed came from their bench unit and big time plays from their starters.

“Our bench had a huge role in picking us up and staying loud,” claimed Bray. “Also kills from Liv and Lex… allows us to have energy and still stay in the game ”.

Big time plays from Alexis Williams, Jordan Jones, Olivia Flanagan and Bray, rallied the Tigers to stay within striking distance of La Tech, 22-21. Williams, Jones, and Flanagan tied for the team high, racking up 9 kills each. Bray followed behind them with 7 kills of her own.

Louisiana Tech’s tough

defensive efforts allowed them to run away from the prowling Tigers, closing out the second set, 25-21.

The third set was a back and forth effort from both teams.

La Tech opened the set with a huge run, but Jackson State wasn’t going out without a fight. They responded with a run of their own forcing several ties throughout the game. The persistence of the Tigers allowed them to lead for the first time since the first set, pushing the score to 15-14.

The Techsters took the lead, at 22-21 forcing Jackson State to call a timeout. The Tigers continue to fight, tying the score immediately after the timeout.

Unable to hold on, the Tigers fell to La Tech sealing the series, 25-22.

Despite the sweep, the Tigers put up a valiant effort to keep up with Louisiana Tech, a team who is usually out of their conference.

Jackson State didn’t let this loss bring down their spirits. The following day, the team worked to perfect their flaws specifically on defense, despite Trinity Bryant’s 17 digs.

“Defensively on blocking we could’ve done better”, said Kymorah Carter, a defensive specialist for Jackson State.

The back-to-back SWAC Champs are now down 3-12 for the season, but they are determined to turn their season around.

Injury of Tagovailoa to lead to new concussion protocols

The Jackson native and former Tua Tagovailoa, a NFL player with the Miami Dolphins, suffered a concussion on Sept. 25 during a matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. Many feel that game officials failed to handle the incident with proper concussion protocol.

This incident has raised discussions across the globe and the community is urging the people in charge to take concussions seriously and properly enforce a concussion protocol.

According to CBSNews.

com, many questioned if Tagovailoa should have even been playing on that night, as it appeared he suffered a head injury five days before in the matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

Daylen Foster, a journalism and media studies major from Biloxi, Miss., said that the medical experts should do a better job making sure players do not get critically injured on the field.

“If I was the coach or one of the medical experts, I would have made sure that none of this has occurred,’’ said Foster. “If I were a football player with how they handled the situation, I wouldn’t be

out there. The NFL needs to change their protocols because the football players’ safety should come first.”

Andrew Hills, a marketing major from Natchez, Miss, said he is a Tua Tagoviloa fan. He also thinks that the protocol should have been handled better.

“Concussions have been a huge problem in the football scene. and the protocol needs some changes done to it,” said Hills. “However, I will commend them for making sure Tau Tagovailoa is recovering. I am a little sad that this might end his career though.”

Medical experts and other

football professionals feel that Tagovailoa should most definitely consider retiring.

However, the NFL is supposed to implement a new concussion protocol soon helping to raise awareness and handle incidents properly at every level of football.

One of the new protocols will include benching a player who shows ataxia. According to the CBS report, ataxia” is defined as abnormality of balance/stability, motor coordination or dysfunctional speech caused by a neurological issue. Per the joint NFL-NFLPA statement, if a player is diagnosed with

this ataxia by any club or neutral physician involved in the protocol, he is prohibited from returning to the game.

Dewayne Goodmen, a coach from Vicksburg High School, said that a change in protocols within the NFL will take time but he hopes in the future concussions will be less severe.

“It’s a good thing that Tagovailoa is doing better, even though he has to have an early retirement,” Goodmen said. “Concussions are no joke, they can have longlasting effects. He needs to retire for his safety’s sake.”

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Photo: JSU Athletics Media

Tua Tagovailoa after suffering concussion during Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals matchup.

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Jalan Braxton Staff Writer/Practicum