NFL's concussion adviser steps down
Dr. Elliot Pellman, who directed the NFL's concussion committee since its inception in 1994, has stepped down in the wake of mounting criticism from experts in the field of brain injury. Last fall, ESPN The Magazine documented that Pellman was selective in what injury reports he used to reach his conclusions and omitted large numbers of players from the league's study. He will be replaced by co-chairmen of the league's mild traumatic brain injury committee. Dr. Ira Casson, a neurologist from Nassau, N.Y., and Dr. David Viano, a biomechanical engineer from Wayne State University, will head the committee According to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, Pellman asked to be relieved of his duties as chairman. Neither doctor is affiliated with an NFL team. Aiello said Pellman "will continue as a member of the committee and will continue to be the administrative liaison with our office."
