NFLPA complains that NFL concussion expert is biased

Dr. Ira Casson, the co-chairman of the league’s committee on concussions, is facing doubts about whether he has the ability to do his job. And recently, the NFLPA said that he should be removed from his position as he is biased.

Casson has criticized independent and league-sponsored studies linking NFL careers with heightened risk for dementia and cognitive decline, saying more research is needed. And he himself has been conducting a study of retired players used to play in NFL jerseys, he said will provide reliable evidence on brain injuries in the sport. However, several outside experts in epidemiology and dementia research has criticized that Casson’s role in conducting all neurological exams in the study is improper.

Casson failed to appear at last month’s congressional hearing about football head injuries, causing some House members to complain. As NFLPA assistant executive director George Atallah said in a telephone interview, there has been serious concern about Casson’s ability to continue in his role.