Friday's health and safety news from the world of football:
- Former NFL player Steve Gleason, who is suffering from ALS, talked with The Seattle Times about the impact of the Ice Bucket Challenge phenomenon with his eye-tracking technology. With the help of friends, he took the Ice Bucket Challenge earlier this week.
- The Associated Press reported on the technological changes made for Riddell's new SpeedFlex helmet, focusing on the University of Arkansas and coach Bret Bielema.
- The Washington Post's Mark Maske wrote that it will be a victory for St. Louis Rams rookie defensive end Michael Sam if he is cut before the season begins. Sam is the first openly gay player to be drafted in the NFL.
- NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino expects the rash of defensive penalties to decrease once the regular season begins.
- The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported how the University of Pittsburgh is taking part in a government-funded concussion study.
- The State in Columbia, S.C., reported that players and leagues are benefitting from the University of South Carolina's concussion studies.
- WGHP-TV in Piedmont, N.C., looked at the helmet studies conducted at Wake Forest University.
- Abbott and the Department of Department are developing a blood test for concussion evaluation, they announced in a press release.
- Consumer Affairs reported that the Federal Trade Commission has warned retailers about the claims that mouth guards can prevent concussions.
-- Bill Bradley, contributing editor