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Former Cal Football Player Sues University Over Head Injuries

BERKELEY (CBS SF) -- A former player on the Cal Bears football team is suing the university over concussions he sustained on the field.

In his lawsuit against the University of California, Bernard Hicks said he suffered "permanent and debilitating" neurological injuries due to multiple concussions he sustained during games and practices. According to the Daily Californian, Hicks said he now suffers from depression, suicidal thoughts, dizziness, memory loss, and blurred and double vision.

The lawsuit names the UC Regents as defendants, along with former coach Jeff Tedford, team physician Cindy Chang and head athletic trainer Ryan Cobb.

Matthew Whibley, Hicks' attorney, said his client would have taken more time to "recover from head injuries" if he had known of the risks.

The lawsuit said the school should have educated players about the long-term neurological consequences of their injuries.

Hicks played in 32 games between 2004 and 2008.

Cal has not commented on the case.

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