California governor vows to block proposed ban on tackle football

Gavin Newsom says ‘outright ban is not the answer’, ending advocates’ hopes for law banning tackle football for under-12s

California’s governor said he will not sign a proposed ban on tackle football for children under 12, ending advocates’ short-lived hopes of having the bill become law this year.

“I will not sign legislation that bans youth tackle football,” Newsom said in a statement late on Tuesday. “I am deeply concerned about the health and safety of our young athletes, but an outright ban is not the answer.”