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Thursday, March 01, 2007

Chairman of NFL's research committee on concussions resigns, following strong criticism of his qualifications and the results of the committee's studies. Dr. Elliot Pellman's qualifications came under scrutiny after the release of the findings of a six year study (summary; full article requires subscription) that went against information from other studies. ESPN The Magazine called Pellman out in an October article. The committee's work has clear ramifications on not only the longterm health of NFL players, but those of college and high school players.

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From a follow-up story by the Baltimore Sun, who broke this story first: The Center for the Study of Retired Athletes reported that players who have suffered at least three concussions were two to three times more likely to suffer from depression and three times as likely to have mild cognitive impairment, a precursor of Alzheimer's disease.

'bout time. How come he wasn't asked to leave his position by NFL officials last October?

Is that a serious question?

The NFL refuses to take concussions seriously. They have their brain injury research done by a committee that does not gather all available data and that is chaired by a rheumatologist. The NFLPA is noticeably absent from that article and the most they can come with is a committee to look into the research. Is it any wonder the Gene Upshaw has been called docile and the NFL's personal pet?

He went to medical school in Mexico. Wasn't that some horrid 80's comedy?

Is that a serious question? It's a question that begs the obvious answer, which from your inquiry, I know you have already figured out. (Did I just write that? I think I'm turning into a social science major, or something.)

Merrilll Hoge end of story this is a serious side of the NFL

Merrilll Hoge end of story this is a serious side of the NFL If it's the end of story, shouldn't there be a period (.) , or some other sort of punctuation mark?

Luther, what does that sentence really mean?

When I first read the ESPN mag's article, I was wondering who did the NFL's hiring. You would think that he would need to be a bit more qualified to hold such a position. I'm not the most intelligent person around, but his research methods, even to me, seemed to be seriously lacking. Maybe now, the NFL will do the right thing and take all head injuries and do the proper research. That having been said, I would like to submit to the NFL my application for executive in charge of half-time music at all stadiums. Given my unique qualifications, that is. I would think a starting salary of around $250,000 would be satisfactory.

I think the tobacco industry is looking for a few more doctors. Maybe he can get a job there.

Is this a quote from Dr. Pellman???? "Ya, know the best thing about hitting your head repeatedly against a solid object?? Ans: It feels SOOOOOO GOOOOOOODD when yu stop!" Or was that Yogi Berra?

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