NFL’S GOODELL FORCES CONTROVERSIAL DOCTOR TO RETIRE

A controversial figure in the NFL’s health and safety initiatives is leaving the league, and the decision came from the top. Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a memo to clubs Wednesday that Elliot Pell

man was retiring as the league seeks a new, full- time chief medical officer. A person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports that Goodell decided Pellman should retire after nearly 30 years with the New York Jets and the league office and Pellman agreed. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the person wasn’t authorized to reveal details publicly. “We intend to hire a highly credentialed physician to serve as chief medical officer and work in the league office on a full- time basis,” Goodell wrote. “This individual will be responsible for working with our team medical staffs, the ( players union) and our medical committees, as well as the broader independent scientific and medical communi-

ties.” Goodell said the search would begin this week. A rheumatologist, Pellman chaired the NFL’s mild traumatic brain injury committee despite lacking experience and expertise in brain trauma. According to an ESPN Outside the Lines investigation, Pellman led campaigns to discredit noted scientists for their findings on the effects of concussions. — Tom Pellisero

KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, USA TODAY SPORTS NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will hire a chief medical officer.