Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Judiciary Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) will hold a joint forum to review recent studies highlighting the advances in sports research on traumatic brain injuries due to contact sports and pathways to address these injuries.
During the forum, members from both committees will hear from experts, review medical studies, and discuss ways to better prevent and treat sports-related traumatic brain injuries. Specialists in brain injury, subconcussive trauma and the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) will update members on their latest research including an explosive study that found CTE in 110 out of 111 deceased former NFL players.
“As more and more research sheds light on the long-term effects of sports-related brain injuries, it is clear we need to bring this issue to the forefront,” Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. said. “I am pleased to host this forum with Ranking Member Conyers in order to facilitate a dialogue on what we can do to better protect our players at all levels and hopefully uncover real solutions to this devastating disease. In addition, we must ensure that the NFL is doing its part to reduce the risk of head injuries to help make football, at all levels, a safer game.”
“It is imperative that Congress continues to examine these issues and this forum will provide public education about traumatic brain injuries caused by contact sports.” Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Conyers said. “I am happy to participate in this forum with Ranking Member Pallone to discuss what is at stake not just for the health of professional players, but millions of children playing football at the high school and youth levels.”
Date: Friday, October 13, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: 2226 Rayburn House Office Building
List of attendees:
Medical Researchers
- Ann McKee, MD, Chief, Neuropathology VA Boston; Director, CTE Center; Professor of Neurology and Pathology, Boston University School of Medicine; Principal Researcher on Study: Clinicpathological Evaluation of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Players of American Football (July 25, 2017)
- Bob Stern, Ph.D.,Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Anatomy & Neurobiology Clinical Core Director; BU Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center Boston University School of Medicine
- Chris Nowinski, Ph.D., Founder, Concussion Legacy Foundation; Co-Founder and Outreach, Recruiting & Education Leader - BU CTE Center; Former Harvard All-Ivy Defensive Tackle
NFL Players / Families
- Harry Carson, New York Giants linebacker from 1976 – 1989; Superbowl XXI champion; 9x Pro Bowler; Inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2006; currently suffers from post-concussion syndrome.
- Mike Adamle (with wife Kim Adamle), All-American fullback at Northwestern in 1970; Played in the NFL (Bears & Chiefs) for six years; Well-known sports anchor on NBC & for Chicago local stations; Served as co-host of American Gladiators and worked with WWE Raw; Diagnosed with CTE-induced dementia in 2016.
- Dr. Eleanor Perfetto, Widow of Ralph Wenzel, who played guard for seven seasons for Pittsburgh Steelers & San Diego Chargers; Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the National Health Council.
RSVP: Media interested in attending should RSVP to Shadawn.reddick-smith@mail.house.gov
