Congressman urges Big Ten investigation of Michigan's concussion protocols, Shane Morris incident

The public relations nightmare is continuing for the University of Michigan Tuesday. From the local media, to the fans, to national media and finally the government.

Washington, to be exact.

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-N.J.) addressed a letter to Jim Delany and the Big Ten offices urging an investigation into Michigan's handling of Shane Morris during its 30-14 loss to Minnesota. Pascrell, the co-chair of the Brain Injury Caucus, would like to establish penalties for violation of concussion protocols (per CBSSports.com's Jon Solomon.)

"I strongly urge you to investigate the circumstances surrounding Shane Morris's injury and the decision to return him to play," Pascrell wrote. "Additionally, I ask that you reexamine the protocols in place and determine what changes can be made to improve them. I also urge you to establish penalties for violations of concussion protocols. Every concussion is brain damage and must be diagnosed and treated by appropriate medical personnel, who prioritize players' health, safety, and well-being."

Athletic director Dave Brandon, released an early-morning statement on Tuesday saying that there was "miscommunication" between Michigan coach Brady Hoke and the medical staff with the handling of Morris.

Despite Hoke saying that, to his knowledge, Morris did not suffer a concussion, Brandon's statement concluded that Morris did indeed suffer a "probable, mild, concussion."

Pascrell also mentioned that the decision to not pull Morris was a decision that lacked common sense (per Nick Baumgardner from MLive.)

"Allowing a possibly concussed player to determine whether or not he is fit to return to play not only violates common sense, but is also an egregious violation of standard concussion protocol," Pascrell wrote. "Including protocol set forth by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Big Ten Conference."

This is a developing story.