Creech Holds Press Conference on Athlete Safety Legislation

COLUMBUS—State Rep. Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria) today held a press conference on House Bill 605, bipartisan legislation designed to protect professional athletes by requiring professional sports stadiums to use natural grass fields. State Rep. Terrance Upchurch (D-Cleveland) and Andrew Morris, Public Policy Counsel for the NFL Players Association, also participated in the press conference.

Specifically, the bill will require professional stadiums to have fields that are at least 90% natural grass and maintained at industry standard levels for high performance field surfaces.

“Employees must have faith that their employer is providing conditions suitable to job success and their health and safety,” said Creech during the press conference. “This bill will not only support Ohio’s sports industry, but it will do just that: it will prioritize the safety of our professional athletes in their workplace.” 

“As leaders and advocates for player health and safety, we appreciate this bipartisan push to address an important issue for our members,” said Morris. “Our hope is that all in the Ohio legislature support this bill, which is in the best interests of all athletes. We commend Representatives Creech and Upchurch for their work.”

The bill is a direct response to the higher rate of injuries that take place on turf fields. Currently, 15 NFL stadiums use natural grass while 15 use synthetic turf. 

House Bill 605 awaits consideration by the House Economic and Workforce Development Committee.