House Judiciary Committee hearing calls attention to long-term effects of head injury among NFL Players
Co-Founder of the Brain Injury Research Institute Testifies Before Congress, Describes Scientific Evidence Showing Irrefutable Link Between Head Injury and Long-Term Brain Disease
The House Judiciary Committee called upon national experts and stakeholders in the fields of science and sport to better understand the effects of head injuries on players in the National Football League (NFL). Nationally recognized sports physician and neurosurgeon, Julian E. Bailes, M.D. was called to provide expert testimony based on decades of research detailing how repetitive head trauma on the field leads to long-term neurological damage among athletes.
“From the microscopic examination of brains of deceased athletes and the lives of retired NFL players, there is an overwhelming body of scientific evidence that shows an irrefutable link between head trauma in the sport of football and long-term brain disease,” said Dr. Julian E. Bailes, Co-Founder of the Brain Injury Research Institute and Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at West Virginia University School of Medicine. “I’m here today because I love football and want to make the game safer.”
In 2002, Dr. Bailes’ colleague and Co-Founder of the Brain Injury Research Institute, Bennet Omalu, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., discovered the first physical signs of a condition known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a condition which occurs in people who have suffered multiple concussions and commonly manifests as dementia, declining mental ability, memory problems and Parkinsonism. They found an abnormal collection of Tau protein – commonly found in Alzheimer’s patients – in the brain of NFL Hall of Famer Mike Webster.
“Having identified the underlying typology in CTE, our objective now is to target the abnormality and prevent the accumulation of abnormal Tau protein and to develop a therapeutic cure for this disease,” said Dr. Omalu.
Since 2002, the Brain Injury Research Institute physicians have collectively examined over twenty brains, including former NFL players Mike Webster, Justin Strzelczyk, Terry Long, and Andre Waters. They have also examined and diagnosed CTE in WWE wrestler Chris Benoit – in a much-publicized tragic case.
“The Committee appreciated Dr. Bailes’ participation in today’s hearing,” said John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. “Through his testimony, Dr. Bailes provided compelling scientific data about the lasting effects of head injuries on football players.”
Source: Brain Injury Research Institute
NFL PLAYERS launches YouTube Channel offering exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of NFL PLAYERS
New channel offers exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ footage of the NFL’s biggest stars.
NFL PLAYERS, the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association, announced the launch of the NFL PLAYERS YouTube channel. The channel, which can be viewed at www.YouTube.com/NFLPLAYERS, features exclusive behind the scenes footage of the NFL’s brightest stars.
Fans of the NFL will have a unique opportunity to connect with their favorite players on the most popular online video platform, YouTube. The interactive site, www.YouTube.com/NFLPLAYERS, allows subscribers to view original video content and receive customized updates and alerts every time new content is uploaded.
A wide array of content, including player-generated videos and original programming produced by NFL PLAYERS, will be featured on the YouTube.com/NFLPLAYERS channel. Highlights include segments from NFL PLAYERS’ award winning original series “Helmets Off.” From rookies touring their hometowns to veterans working out before training camp, there’s nowhere else on the Web like YouTube.com/NFLPLAYERS for up-to-date videos on the biggest personalities in the NFL.
“The opportunity to circulate our unique player content through a highly trafficked channel like YouTube helps raise awareness and visibility for our players. It also provides an opportunity for partners and fans to engage our athletes on a much more personal (off-the-field) level,” said Keith Gordon, Acting President, NFL PLAYERS
The NFL PLAYERS YouTube Channel creative mirrors the theme of this season’s NFL PLAYERS brand campaign “Strength in Numbers.” The channel offers links back to NFLPLAYERS.COM where fans can experience the interactive campaign and browse additional behind-the-scenes content related to their favorite players.
Visit NFLPLAYERS.COM for more information or subscribe today at www.YouTube.com/NFLPLAYERS.
Source: NFL PLAYERS
Verizon Wireless Offers Football Fans New Ways To Keep Up With Their Favorite Teams All Season Long
College, NFL apps provide real-time scores, news and fantasy information
Missing the big game this weekend? Want to be the first to know when college and NFL news breaks? Wondering who to pluck off the waiver wire for your fantasy team? No problem. Verizon Wireless and its exciting suite of mobile phone apps have football fans covered all season long, no matter where they are.
When real life prevents fans from being in front of the TV or inside the stadium on fall Saturdays and Sundays, it’s possible to keep up with all the action with apps like ESPN MVP, Fox Sports Ultimate and College Superfans. Verizon Wireless, the nation’s leading wireless company with the largest and most reliable 3G network, offers customers a wide range of football-related apps for use on Verizon Wireless handsets. They include:
– ESPN MVP gives users instant access to the most in-depth mobile sports content with V CAST V Pak – including live gamecasts, exclusive commentary and video alerts sent right to your phone
– Fox Sports Ultimate shows users scores, stats, schedules, team news, fantasy information and league standings whenever and wherever you want. It also allows users to update fantasy league information
– College Superfans provides real-time access to favorite college teams, with up-to-the-minute scores, news stories, schedules, AP & BCS polls, conference standings, game previews and summaries at your fingertips. Select your favorite team, pick the sports you want to follow and you’re ready to go!
Additional Verizon Wireless apps offer sports fans unmatched access to athletes and provide excellent personalization options.
View video blogs, receive signed sports memorabilia and even chat live with your favorite athletes across the country with Playmaker Mobile, show your school spirit with College Fan Zone, or pledge your NFL allegiance with NFL Pix & Tones.
With all the technology that allows fans to follow their favorite teams in real-time when they can’t get to a TV or to the game, it’s a great time to be a sports fan.
For more information, visit http://products.vzw.com/.
Source: Verizon Wireless