On Monday, I posted an info article about a news conference taking place in Pittsburgh on Tuesday where a company by the name of Unequal Technologies was to announce the results of a new form of helmet technology called CRT.  Steelers James Harrison and Charlie Batch were on hand to talk about CRT – Harrison as an actual user and Charlie as a upstanding representative of the NFLPA.

During Harrison’s ‘testimony’ he said that it actually works.  He admitted to having double digit cases of concussion like symptoms over the course of his career, and that since using this helmet, he’s had no case of ‘[seeing] any spots or had any blackouts.’  He seems to like the new padding in the helmet, even though it adds a few ounces to the overall weight of the helmet.  The padding was originally developed for the military to lessen the severity of blows to the head via combat or debris.  Neuroscientists were also on hand to discuss the numbers behind the tests.

Overall, it seems like at the very least, this ‘new’ technology could have a long lasting positive affect on the NFL when it comes to protecting the head.  That’s one thing Harrison and others have always been critical about when it comes to player safety and how the NFL is dealing with it.  They are quick to hand out heft fines, but won’t do any sort of institutionalized upgrade in equipment.  If you want improvement, you have to seek it out on your own – like Harrison did shortly after he broke is orbital bone last season.

I don’t think it should have to go to those measures.  The NFL should be sinking the real dollars into research and projects like this to improve player safety and longevity.  What are your thoughts?  You can see Harrison and the rest of the presser here.  Can this padding make a difference?  Or does the NFL need to take other measures?

Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-US PRESSWIRE

I guess it’s only fitting that James Harrison – a lightning rod of controversy with his hard and sometimes high hitting ways – is part of an event that will introduce a new technology that claims a 50% reduction in Severity Index (SI) or head injury risk.

Steelers James Harrison and Charlie Batch are slated to talk at a press conference with Unequal Technologies and other top neurosurgeons.  The reason for the press conference is Unequal Technologies is introducing CRT – a new technology, in what I gather will be implemented in helmets – that tests show produces 50% reduction in helmet Severity Index.

The presser will take place at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh at 10am EST.  Below is more information as to what will be featured and who will be speaking.  You can stream a live webcast of the presser here: http://www.unequal.com/live

Top Neurosurgeons Convene to Discuss Advancement That Helps Reduce the Possibility of Head Injury and its Implications for Football

 What:            Since its introduction last year, CRT has been gaining awareness and adoption by professional and amateur football players. Recent tests confirm CRT’s ability to help reduce the possibility of head injury. Two of the nation’s leading Neurosurgeons, NFL players James Harrison and Charlie Batch and CRT manufacturer Unequal Technologies will host a press conference to share testing data and discussCRT’s implications on the future of football. Q&A session to immediately follow with:

•  James Harrison and Charlie Batch of the Pittsburgh Steelers

•  Dr. Julian Bailes, Medical Director for Pop Warner Football, NFL Concussion Committee and neurological consultant to NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA), Chairman for the Department of Neurosurgery at NorthShore Neurological Institute,

•  Dr. Joseph Maroon, team physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Vice Chairman ofNeurological Surgery at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)

•  Don DelNegro, Athletic Trainer for 2011 Stanley Cup Champions Boston Bruins

•  Jennifer Branin, activist mother of an Irvine, Ca. high school football player who suffered concussion last year and now won’t play without CRT (and neither will his teammates)

When:            Tuesday, October 16     10 – 11:00 a.m.

Where:          Omni William Penn Hotel

530 William Penn Place – Three Rivers Conference Room

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Webcast:      www.unequal.com/live

@UnequalTech

Visuals:

•  Leading neurosurgeons Dr. Julian Bailes and Dr. Joseph Maroon discussing CRT and the state of head protection and head injuries in sports today; Drs. available for Q&A and personal interviews

•  Q&A session and interviews available with NFL players James Harrison/Charlie Batch

•  Jennifer Branin (mother) and Don DelNegro (trainer) to provide firsthand perspective on youth and professional head protection and CRT’s effectiveness

•  Unequal Technologies CEO/Founder Rob Vito available for interview

•  Certified independent test results showing Concussion Reduction Technology™ (CRT) delivering as much as a 50% reduction in Severity Index (SI) readings