BLUNT FORCE

NFL to Spend $100 Million on Head-Trauma Research

Puts $100M toward better diagnoses, preventing injuries.

The National Football League will set aside $100 million to fund research and technological advancements with regard to head trauma, Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Wednesday in an open letter. The goal of the new initiative is to increase the “prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of head injuries, enhance medical protocols, and further improve the way the game is taught and played by all who love it.” In the letter, Goodell acknowledged the public “skepticism” about how the NFL would be spending the money, given recent criticism that the money might have gone to doctors who are less likely to find fault with the NFL’s practices. The newest round of cash will also fund programs to teach younger football players how to prevent and mitigate the effects of severe head injuries.