CTE research goes on without help
Researchers are moving ahead with efforts to develop a diagnostic test for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, even without the NFL’s help.
Some of the nation’s top brain scientists gathered yesterday at the Boston University School of Medicine for the start of a seven-year, $16 million research project designed to find a test for CTE and identify its risk factors. For now, the disease increasingly found in former football players can only be diagnosed during an autopsy.
“This is a recipe for being able to define what CTE is in living human beings,” said Jeffrey Cummings, director of the Cleveland Clinic’s center for brain health and one of the principal researchers. “That’s so important, because if you can diagnose something, then you can begin dealing with it.”
The Diagnose CTE project had originally been set to receive money that the NFL earmarked for concussion research. But the league’s complaints about Boston University researchers led the National Institutes of Health to pay for it with other funds.
Foles a no-show
Quarterback Nick Foles skipped his second straight day of voluntary practice, and Los Angeles Rams coach Jeff Fisher said the veteran passer hasn’t participated in their offseason program since the club drafted Jared Goff. Fisher declined to say whether Foles has demanded a trade. . . .
Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall returned this week to the New York Jets after their absences at voluntary organized team activities last week fueled speculation — and a published report — that the wide receivers might have been skipping out to send a message: Re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Skins’ Bowen retires
Defensive end Stephen Bowen returned to the Washington Redskins’ practice facility to announce his retirement. . . .
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Maliek Collins, a rookie third-round pick from Nebraska, will miss 10-12 weeks after breaking his right foot in offseason practice last week. . . .
The NFL said its decision to move the Pro Bowl to Orlando, Fla., for the next three seasons is unrelated to funding, Aloha Stadium or Hawaii’s ability to host the game.
Peter O’Reilly, the league’s senior vice president of events, made the statement in a news release provided by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
George Szigeti, the tourism authority’s CEO, said the agency will use the $5 million it would have paid for the game to support sport competitions and other programs.