COLUMBUS — A new bill sponsored by a Miami Valley State Representative aims to protect professional athletes in Ohio.
As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00 p.m., the bi-partisan bill is gaining momentum in Columbus.
A news conference was held in Columbus today to explain the Athlete Safety Bill.
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The bi-partisan legislation drawn up by Republican Representative Rodney Creech of West Alexandria and Democrat Terrence Upchurch would require professional sports teams in Ohio to use natural grass fields instead of Turf.
“This bill today is for professional athletes. You know, it depends on if it catches on. I mean, we all know and understand that natural grass is much safer, much cleaner. When you look at the sterile environment and cushion, there’s so many advantages of natural turf. The only advantage of synthetic turf is playability after weather and traffic,” Ohio Rep. Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria) said.
Rep. Creech owns and operates Lawn Plus but says this bill is not about personal gain.
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“I will never put a bid in on these projects. I have no interest in putting bids in on these projects. Most of these stadiums have their own crews. We are strictly doing this for the right reasons, and that is for athlete safety,” Rep. Creech said.
The bill comes after a discussion with the NFL Player’s Association.
The Association referred to years of research that suggests artificial surfaces have a higher rate of lower body injuries than natural grass.
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Both Creech and Upchurch say they are open to coming to a resolution outside of the state legislature.
“Representative Creech and I are certainly open to working with any of the stakeholders to make this bill, one, a bill that would maintain its bipartisan support and also get to the governor’s desk. But I agree with my colleague here, we were able to have a conversation and get folks around the table and work this out. I’m happy with that as well,” Ohio Rep. Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland) said.
The next step is to get the measure in a hearing in the General Assembly in the fall.
If it continues to build momentum, there is the possibility of similar ideas being introduced, for the Collegiate and High School levels as well.
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