Controversial NFL Doctor Elliot Pellman Retires
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--A major shift within the national football league.
Doctor Elliot Pellman was a top doctor in the NFL, but on Wednesday ESPN and the NFL Network reported that the league's commissioner requested that he retire and Pellman obliged.
In the past, Pellman came under fire for downplaying the adverse effect those constant hard hits could have on players' brains.
Doctor Kevin E. Crutchfield is a sports neurologist. He also works with the Ravens.
He says there is a definite link between football and a degenerative brain disease called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
"So these players are getting demented younger, they are losing cognitive function, they are having behavioral changes, because their brain literally for lack of a better expression, rotting in their heads," said Kevin E. Crutchfield, Director of Sports Neurology, with Lifebridge Health.
In 2013, the NFL announced a multi-million dollar settlement for former players and family members who accused the league of covering-up the real dangers of the sport.
Former Baltimore Colt Bruce Laird was part of the class action lawsuit against the NFL.
Laird told WJZ he believes the constant hits could lead to problems like depression.
"It is all related to CTE, which I am sure I have in my own brain. I am pretty sure I got it, so it's just a matter of what happens," said Laird.
As part of the settlement, the NFL agreed to some 42 rule changes and more medical research.
The NFL has started a search for a new medical officer to oversee the teams.