The Back Alley Archives

Every since I started learning about these senators who plan to investigate helmet manufacturers for their marketing and claims of reducing concussions, I start researching and looking at some sights. I got this particular article from Schutt's FB page, but it's pretty interesting. Overall, in another article I read from a trainer they reminded the senators that helmets were originally designed to cut down on skull fractures, which they've pretty much eliminated. I don't think I've ever heard of a skull fracture during a game.
[url=http://http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11002/11 ... 33-139.stm[/url]

Anyway, it's interesting that the last point mentions a possible genetic predisposition to concussions. Hmmm.

The problem is brains.

Letter from Schutt to Udell's office... http://www.schuttsports.com/aspx/news/News.aspx?newsid=143

In conclusion, we do no shy away from our responsibility as a protective equipment
manufacturer to educate those in the football community about the attendant risks
of playing the game. And we have every ethical, moral and financial incentive to
protect football players – regardless of age. The seriousness of concussion risk and
the potential for real injury to all athletes is real. And even the most cynical of
people can understand that the manufacturer who can reduce injury on the field is
likely to garnish market share. And the manufacturer who fails to keep pace is likely
to find itself on the wrong end of a product liability suit.

We, at Schutt, are dedicated to finding solutions to the problem of football injuries.
We do not need the motivations of NOCSAE, the FDA, the CPSC or the FTC to do so.
And we take great offense to those who would wrongfully suggest that we would do
otherwise.

Yeah, I don't really see how a helmet is going to protect against concussions in football unless'n that helmet is 6 feet in diameter. The forces at work just too great.

Another article basically saying that they aren't going to do anything until they do more research. Trying to fix one problem may end up making more problems that could be even more dangerous to the player. I think it's one of those cases where the more we learn about concussions, the more frequently we recognize them. I just think they should quit playing all together huh? NOT.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=txhelmetsafetymeeting&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Did anyone see Aaron Rogers get clocked in his new XP helmet against the Bears? One of Bill's coaches texted him saying "if he was still wearing his Riddell he would be asleep right now". Needless to say who Bill was rooting for in that game.

Article about Aaron Rogers and the hit on him by Peppers...he admits his helmet helped him avoid another concussion. Giddy up! good for business.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/peter_king/01/25/aaron-rodgers-helmet/index.html#ixzz1C60NyHQi

Yep, that should go in the marketing material for sure.

Yet another article...this one from the basis that Rogers and the Packers won't reveal the brand or type of helmet he's wearing? Huh? All they have to do is ask any sports dealer and they can identify what it is. Bill can tell from a hundred yards a way what helmet a player is wearing (and it doesn't have to be a Schutt for him to know). Anyway, I'm sure that there are two reasons 1. They don't want to be held liable is someone gets that helmet based on their recommendation and then gets hurt in it and 2. The NFL's agreement with Riddell may prevent them from being able to promote another company's product.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook%2F110201_tuesday_morning_quarterback&sportCat=nfl