Cowboys Staffer Paralyzed by Tent Collapse

Grab a bike helmet if one is coming, say Alabama researchers

(NEWSER) - A cheap, practical, and easy way exists to reduce injuries during a tornado, say researchers at the University of Alabama: Wear a helmet. Strapping on a motorcycle, bicycle, or football helmet in a pinch could provide crucial protection, especially considering that head injuries are such a common cause of tornado deaths, the researchers write at the UAB website . They want the CDC to begin incorporating the advice into its preparedness warnings, reports the Birmingham News . More»

Three ex-athletes want league to monitor all ex-players

(NEWSER) - Three retired football players are suing the NFL because they say they got banged up so much in their playing days it left them with brain injuries. They want the league to set up a program to monitor the problem among all former players, reports Bloomberg . The three former athletes—Harry Jacobs, Jerome Barkum, and Tommy Mason—each suffer from brain injuries caused by frequent tackles during their careers, according to the federal lawsuit. They're also seeking unspecified personal-injury compensation. More»

Eric LeGrand undergoes emergency surgery after collision

(NEWSER) - A Rutgers defensive tackle was paralyzed below the neck following a collision with an Army player last night. Eric LeGrand, a junior from New Jersey, underwent emergency surgery and was in intensive care after the top of his helmet slammed into the other player’s left shoulder on Saturday, the New York Times reports. "Eric’s spirits were as good as you can expect,” said his coach. “He’s a fighter.” More»

Forbes list of most disliked athletes has a new name: Tiger Woods

(NEWSER) - Michael Vick has been out of federal prison for almost a year , but the Eagles quarterback still has some image-polishing to do: For the second straight year, he tops the Forbes list of most disliked people in sports . New for 2010 are Ben Roethlisberger and how-the-mighty-have-fallen poster child Tiger Woods, the only non-football figure in the top five:

1. Michael Vick: Disliked by 69% of 1,100 poll respondents, "Vick was a popular and dynamic player before the dog-fighting episode" and "still appears poised for a recovery with the public."

Large class sizes, fewer school nurses may be to blame

(NEWSER) - American kids are suffering 150% more injuries in gym class than a decade ago, the AP reports. Over that period, a study found, there has been a renewed emphasis on physical-education class as a way to inculcate students with healthy habits and prevent obesity. But the increase in injuries may be due to lax supervision, the senior author says, rather than increasing amounts of exercise. More»