This week in sports

Letter in response to May 6 commentary on banning football in Clark County

Please spend a few weeks in the state neurological rehab center. This article in the paper was full of machismo ignorance. The danger to young developing brains is real, you are misleading people over the love for a stupid game. I think you are being willfully ignorant of the truth. Football helmets do not protect the brain. Learn some anatomy, the inside of the skull is not a nice smooth space, and the brain has the consistency of jello. The truth is many injuries go unreported because of students not wanting to be pulled out of the game. The truth is some of the kids die or have lasting effects from violent insults to the brain. Kids are often put back in the game after a concussion. If a person suffers multiple concussions in too short of a time they can die.

I know far more about this than I pray you ever will. I doubt this letter will change your idiotic beliefs, but maybe it will, or at least one day you will know someone affected by brain injuries, maybe someone close to you, and you will see the living hell it can cause and suffer knowing what an ignorant twat you were for writing this garbage.

Matthew Moore Vasquez

Pop Warner football camp

In an effort to provide the youth of Pahrump with an affordable way to get involved in the community and stay active, Pahrump Pop Warner is providing a free football camp to benefit local athletes and disadvantaged youth.

Players from experienced athletes to youth just learning the game will enhance their skills and learn the basic fundamentals of football geared to their age and skill level. This camp will be two days long, May 20 and May 21. From 2 p.m.-5:30 p.m., ages 5-14 years old. Please wear a T-shirt and shorts.

Cleats are recommended, as well as a hat or bandana to keep sweat out of the eyes. Bring a water bottle that can be refilled as needed.

Camp participants will be taught the offensive and defensive individual position techniques and fundamental speed/strength skills utilized throughout the season at all levels of play. Campers will be tutored by current Pop Warner coaches, RCMS coaches, PVHS coaches and PVHS football players.

Along with football, this camp will stress the importance of academics, character, dedication and teamwork. Hard work in the offseason pays off in the playoffs. This camp is a great way for our kids to get a feel for the game, see where they are at mentally and set them on a path for success to kick off their own summer training program.

Their Heads Up certified coaches will also be handing out information on sports safety to parents and athletes, including vital information on preventing overuse injuries, heat illness, concussion prevention/awareness and other information specifically geared towards youth football participation. For more information, contact Johnny O’Neal at Pahrump Pop Warner on Facebook, e-mail at mightymitetrojans@gmail.com or call 775-513-1957.