Senator Slams Companies on Sports Helmets

From the AP wire:

Senator slams companies on sports helmet claims
'Nothing is simple about this issue'

Updated: Wednesday, 19 Oct 2011, 3:15 PM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 19 Oct 2011, 3:15 PM EDT

FREDERIC J. FROMMER,Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Senate committee chairman said Wednesday that companies that market their sports equipment as helping to prevent concussions are making "empty, unsubstantiated" claims.

"Nothing is simple about this issue. That's why I find it so disturbing that some sports equipment manufacturers are exploiting our growing concerns about sports concussions to market so-called 'anti-concussion' products to athletes and their parents," Sen. Jay Rockefeller said in testimony prepared for the hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

The West Virginia Democrat didn't name any companies. But manufacturers such as Riddell have come under criticism for claiming their football helmets reduce concussions. One company, Brain-Pad, claims its mouth guard helps reduce the risk of concussions.

Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, director of Michigan Neurosport, a clinic that diagnoses and treats concussions for athletes, testified that no piece of equipment can significantly prevent concussions.

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