The NFL named Nicholas Theodore the new Chair of its Head, Neck & Spine Committee, a critical outside advisory panel that has taken a lead role in crafting the league’s head injury policy. He replaces former co-Chairs Richard Ellenbogen and Hunt Batjer. Dr. Theodore is the Donlin M. Long Professor of Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics and Biomedical Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Univ. School of Medicine, and Dir of the Johns Hopkins Neurosurgical Spine Center.
The NFL did not say why Ellenbogen and Batjer are stepping down, though a source said they wished to refocus on their private practices. The two were central to the NFL crafting its concussion protocol and placing neurological spotters at games. They also had an important role in awarding grants in concussion research, but in '16 they came under criticism for allegedly steering money away from a Boston Univ. doctor who had previously criticized the league. Batjer is also the subject of discovery requests from insurance companies suing the NFL in an effort to not cover payouts to retirees as part of the concussion settlement.
