Elliot Pellman, Controversial NFL Medical Advisor, Forced To Retire By Roger Goodell
BOSTON (CBS) -- The man who once downplayed the link between head trauma and football is no longer working for the NFL.
Dr. Elliot Pellman, a rheumatologist who helped create the NFL's concussion policies despite having little expertise in the field of brain trauma, is "retiring" as the NFL's medical director at the behest of commissioner Roger Goodell. Essentially, Goodell told one of their most controversial employees his time was up.
In a memo sent to clubs today, @nflcommish says Dr. Elliot Pellman has agreed to retire. A move aimed at building trust from players & fans.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 20, 2016
On Dr. Pellman's retirement, a league source said this is Commissioner Goodell's decision and Pellman agreed to it. So he's out.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 20, 2016
Pellman worked for the league for over 30 years, but most famously assisted in authoring 16 papers that denied the dangers of concussions -- and the danger of players returning to the field with a concussion.
In a memo to the 32 NFL teams on Wednesday, Goodell said they will hire a "highly-credentialed physician" as the new chief medical officer.
"This individual will be responsible for working with our team medical staffs, the NFLPA and our medical committees, as well as the broader independent scientific and medical communities," the memo said. "This individual will add to our expertise and help ensure that our clubs have access to the most up-to-date information, that our research funds are spent in an effective and targeted way, and that our players and team staffs receive timely and thorough information on injuries and injury prevention."
The search will begin next week, and will be led by Goodell and a panel of health and medical experts. That panel is fronted by Dr. Besty Nabel, who in addition to serving as the NFL's chief health and medical adviser since 2015, is also the president of Brigham and Women's Health Care.