The NFLs removal this week of the doctor who oversaw the leagues now-discredited concussion policies comes as another top NFL health adviser is under scrutiny for allegations he tried to influence a major government study on football and brain disease.The University of Washington has formed a special committee to investigate Dr. Richard Ellenbogen, co-chairman of the NFLs Head, Neck and Spine Committee and chairman of UWs Department of Neurological Surgery, a university spokeswoman told Outside the Lines.A May congressional report identified Ellenbogen as one of the NFLs primary advocates in an unsuccessful campaign to strip a $16 million grant from a Boston University researcher who has criticized the league. The NFL tried to redirect the money to league-affiliated doctors, including Ellenbogen, according to the report.Ellenbogen and Dr. Elliot Pellman, the leagues longtime, controversial medical adviser, were among at least six top NFL health officials who pressured the National Institutes of Health, the report said. On Wednesday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told the leagues team owners that he will replace Pellman with a new full-time chief medical officer.The University of Washington investigation of Ellenbogen was launched at the request of Dr. Paul Ramsey, the dean of the school of medicine, spokeswoman Tina Mankowski told Outside the Lines. Ellenbogen will have the opportunity to participate, she wrote in an email.We are currently reviewing the allegations that were made in the congressional report concerning Dr. Ellenbogen and his role as an unpaid member of the NFLs Head, Neck and Spine Committee, Mankowski wrote.Ellenbogen did not respond to requests for comment. He previously denied being part of any effort by the NFL to influence the seven-year study, which aims to find methods for detecting -- in living patients -- chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a brain disease that has been found in dozens of deceased NFL players.Asked if Ellenbogen still has the support of the NFL commissioner, Brian McCarthy, a league spokesman, wrote in an email to Outside the Lines: Dr. Ellenbogen has our full support, and no changes are being considered for the leadership of the Head, Neck and Spine Committee. A man of esteemed merit, Dr. Ellenbogen has selflessly dedicated his life to science and service. He is a physician on the frontlines of this issue, every day working to advance the understanding, prevention and treatment of head injuries.McCarthy said the NFL is aware of the UW inquiry but has no comment because it is ongoing.UW declined to provide further details about its investigation, which was first reported by USA Today. Researchers familiar with similar academic inquiries told Outside the Lines the university likely has a range of options if its determined that Ellenbogen acted inappropriately, from a written reprimand to asking Ellenbogen to withdraw from the NFL committee.Tom Murray, president emeritus at the Hastings Center, a non-profit bioethics research institution, criticized Ellenbogen for attempting to influence the NIH in his role as an NFL adviser.This is a very big deal, very significant, something [Dr. Ellenbogen] should not have done, said Murray, who specializes in the ethics of sports-related research.Murray, who has worked with the NIH as an applicant and a reviewer, said it was unclear to him whether Ellenbogens actions violated university regulations. But within the scientific community, is his reputation going to suffer? Very likely, Murray said.Details of the NFLs attempt to influence the NIH -- first reported by Outside the Lines in December -- have stunned many scientists. Emails revealed by VICE Sports this month showed that in 2012 Ellenbogen hoped to provoke the firing of a top NIH official. The official had rebuffed Ellenbogens request to include more NFL doctors at an NIH-led workshop on CTE, the emails showed.One prominent researcher told Outside the Lines that he now fears the NFL -- one of the largest funders of brain research in the United States -- is willing to use its money and influence to attack anyone who opposes the league.I cant imagine writing an email to a colleague trying to get another person in government fired; its more or less unreal, said the researcher, who requested anonymity because of concerns about possible backlash from the NFL. Is this the University of Washingtons position -- that its OK to do that, using the schools email, acting on [the NFLs] behalf?Everybody is talking about this. Its one of the most amazing things Ive ever seen in my career.A NIH official familiar with the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, called Ellenbogens behavior several standard deviations from the norm.Some NIH scientists remain livid about what they perceive as the NFLs attempts to meddle in the agencys scientific-review process, which is widely regarded as sacrosanct, and wonder whether the relationship is beyond repair, two sources told Outside the Lines.After backing out of a commitment to fully fund the CTE study, the NFL announced that it intended to use the money for other NIH research. In 2012, the NFL gave an unrestricted $30 million gift to the NIH for brain research.The NIH has scheduled a workshop for mid-October to focus on the impact of concussions on youth. League-affiliated researchers are expected to participate, according to an NIH spokesperson.Asked about the prospect of a future study using the NFLs money, the NIH official who requested anonymity said: We would have to think through whether or not the specifics of the agreement are acceptable, and, certainly in consideration of that, everybody will be mindful of what has come before.The stakes for the University of Washington in the controversy are high. One of the leading research institutions in the country, UW received $434 million in research funding from the NIH in 2015, according to university figures, and has received $4.36 billion over the past decade.Ellenbogen has received $109,867 from the NIH for a neuroscience training program over the past two years, according to an NIH database. Since he became co-chairman of the Head, Neck and Spine Committee, the NFL and affiliated entities have handed out at least $6.5 million for projects connected to Ellenbogen and UW. The projects include $2.5 million for a new concussion clinic anchored at UW and $2.4 million from Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen for a two-year traumatic brain injury study.Ellenbogen has said repeatedly that he serves the NFL as an unpaid volunteer. The league told congressional investigators that Head, Neck and Spine Committee members are reimbursed for expenses and also receive Super Bowl tickets.The stakes also are high for the NFL. The league and its corporate partners have committed more than $100 million for scores of research studies over the past four years, Outside the Lines reported in February, giving the league enormous influence over a public health issue that directly affects its bottom line.After Pellmans Mild Traumatic Brain Injury committee was disbanded amid a torrent of public criticism in 2010, the NFL brought in respected specialists like Ellenbogen, University of North Carolina concussion researcher Kevin Guskiewicz and University of California San Francisco neurosurgeon Mitch Berger to lead its health and safety program. Berger said at the time that he and his colleagues were starting essentially from zero.But Pellman, despite a reduced role, remained heavily involved and ultimately served as a liaison between the league and the NIH. In an email that surfaced in the report by Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Pellman wrote, There are many of us who have significant concerns re BU and their ability to be unbiased and collaborative. ... Im hoping that you could communicate our concerns and slow down the process until we all have a chance to speak to figure this out.The congressional report described two separate phone calls in which Ellenbogen tried to sway NIH leadership to change the decision. Ellenbogens actions, the report said, raised significant questions about [his] own bias. The congressional report stated: Dr. Ellenbogen is a primary example of the conflicts of interest between his role as a researcher and his role as an NFL adviser.Last week, in response to the UW inquiry and at the request of the NFL, Dr. Robert Cantu, a Boston University Neurosurgeon who serves as a senior adviser to the leagues Head, Neck and Spine committee, sent a letter to the dean at UW defending Ellenbogens integrity, USA Today reported. Cantu is on both sides of the issue, because hes also listed as a researcher on the BU project that was at the heart of the NIH debate.The VICE story, published last month, revealed how, in 2012, Ellenbogen became incensed after Dr. Walter Koroshetz, then deputy director of the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, refused his attempts to include two other NFL-connected doctors -- in addition to one who had been invited -- in a workshop set up by the NIH.In a lengthy email, Ellenbogen wrote Koroshetz: Politics has gotten in the way of the science.He then wrote two other members of the Head, Neck and Spine Committee: Walter needs to be fired.Rather than being fired, Koroshetz -- a former Harvard neurology professor regarded as one of the most respected and beloved administrators in the NIH -- was promoted to director of the institute. In that role, he rejected the NFLs efforts to have the BU award rescinded.Hes become even more beloved since he stood up to the NFL, said one researcher who deals frequently with the NIH. He became a kind of mythical figure thanks to that. http://www.cheapnikefreernuk.com/men-s-women-s-nike-free-run-2-shoes-gray-sky-blue.html . At a Manhattan federal court hearing, attorney Jordan Siev said his law office has gotten more evidence nearly every day to support its lawsuit accusing MLB and Selig of going on a "witch hunt" to ruin Rodriguezs reputation and career. He said the defendants went "way over the line. http://www.cheapnikefreernuk.com/men-s-nike-free-4-0-v3-shoes-all-black.html . Francis told several hundred members of the European Olympic Committees that when sport "is considered only in economic terms and consequently for victory at every cost . http://www.cheapnikefreernuk.com/women-s-nike-free-run-2-shoes-gray-crimson.html . Denis Coderre, the former federal MP who was elected mayor on Nov. 3, has drawn the ire of some Montreal Canadiens. During last nights game he tweeted: "Hello? Can we get a one-way ticket to (minor-league) Hamilton for David Desharnais please. http://www.cheapnikefreernuk.com/2015-news-men-s-women-s-nike-free-4-0-flyknit-shoes-black-crimson-melon-fluorescence-717076.html . Coach Tom Thibodeau says the former MVP will probably start travelling with the team in the next few weeks. Rose tore the meniscus in his right knee at Portland in November and was ruled out for the remainder of the season by the Bulls. http://www.cheapnikefreernuk.com/women-s-nike-free-run-2-shoes-pearl-blue-pink.html . However, he did make them miss him a little less. Cundiff, who had the unenviable job of replacing Dawson last season, agreed Thursday to a one-year, $1. Buddy Ryan took a back seat to no one. Neither did his fierce defenses that won two Super Bowls.The pugnacious coach and defensive mastermind whose twin sons have been successful NFL coaches, died Tuesday. He was 85.His death was confirmed by the Buffalo Bills, where Rex Ryan is the head coach and Rob Ryan an assistant. James Solano, Buddy Ryans agent, said he died in Kentucky but did not give a cause. Ryan lived on a ranch in Shelbyville.He was many things to many people -outstanding coach, mentor, fierce competitor, father figure, faithful friend and the list goes on, Rex Ryan said in a statement. But to me and my brothers Rob and Jim, he was so much more. He was everything you want in a dad -tough when he had to be, compassionate when you didnt necessarily expect it, and a loving teacher and confidant who cherished his family. He truly was our hero.Ryan was a defensive line and linebackers coach for the 1968 champion New York Jets and coordinated the ground-breaking 46 defense for the title-winning 1985 Chicago Bears, one of the NFLs greatest defenses. He was a head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1986-90 and for the Arizona Cardinals in 1994-95, compiling a 55-55-1 overall record.Buddy Ryan was arguably one of the greatest defensive masterminds in NFL history and forever left his mark on the Eagles organization and the city of Philadelphia, Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie said.A few years ago, Ryan attended a Cowboys-Jets game, traveling to New Jersey despite cancer to see then-Jets head coach Rex go against then-Dallas defensive coordinator Rob.Buddy Ryan was the architect of the greatest defense our league has seen, Bears chairman George H. McCaskey said. He was brilliant when it came to the Xs and Os of the game, but what made him special was his ability to create an unwavering confidence in the players he coached.Rams coach Jeff Fisher played for and got his coaching start under Ryan.His knowledge, passion for football and the love he had for his players and coaches are traits that have shaped and influenced so many careers, including my own, Fisher saidJames David Ryan was a Korean War veteran who went to Oklahoma State, then earned a masters degree from Middle Tennessee State even while coaching. He got his first major job in the pros in New York, then of the AFL, in 1968. Ryan was the linebackers coach for the Joe Namath-led Jets, a boastful, confident team that fit his personality.Those Jets led the AFL in defense in his first season on staff, then shocked the Colts in the Super Bowl, 16-7.Thats something my dad was very proud of, Rex Ryan said. When (former Jets coach Weeb) Ewbank hired him, he had to make a difference. If he felt he wasnt making a difference, then his career as a professional coach would be short.Instead, it was very long.Ryans first job as a defensive coordinator came in 1976 with the Vikings under Bud Grant, like Ewbank a Hall of Fame coach. He spent two years there, with the 1976 team losing to Oakland in the Super Bowl. He then moved to the rival Bears, where he concocted the 46 defense that overwhelmed the league with its aggressiveness and unpredictability.Ryans defenders, featuring such Hall of Famers as linebacker Mike Singletary and ends Dan Hampton and Richard Dent, came from all angles and was nearly impossible to budge on the ground. Not that teams had more success in the air, either.Some say the 46 is just an eight-man front, said Ryan, who named the scheme after safety Doug Plank, who wore that number. Thats like saying Marilyn Monroe is just a girl.Ryan and head coach Mike Ditka often feuded during that 15-1 season and Supeer Bowl run.dddddddddddd They nearly slugged it out at halftime of Chicagos only defeat, at Miami on a Monday night in December. (Ryan would punch offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride on national TV on Jan. 2, 1994, when both were assistant coaches in Houston.)I have great respect for Buddy, Ditka said. I have great respect for what he got out of our players. He was the reason in 85 that we had the defense and we won the Super Bowl. Theres no question about that. I didnt coach one second of defense. My job was to coach the football team and get everybody to try to do the same thing -- that was to win a championship. Thats what we ended up doing. We did it together.I never had another one and he never had another one, so we did something pretty special together, Ditka said. And thats all that really matters.Ryans work in Chicago got him the Eagles job.At a meeting the night before the Bears beat New England in the 1986 Super Bowl, Dent said a teary Ryan informed his players that he was going to Philadelphia:You guys are going to be my champions. Lets kick some tail, Ryan said.Hampton then kicked a film projector out of defensive line coach Dale Haupts hands, and defensive tackle Steve McMichael flung a chair across the room, its legs impaling a chalkboard.Such was the devotion players felt for Ryan, who guided the Eagles to the playoffs in 1988, `89 and `90. But they lost all three playoff games, and he was fired after the 1990 season by Eagles owner Norman Braman despite a 43-35-1 record.Earlier that season, Ryan bragged that his Eagles would so badly beat up the Redskins in a Monday night game theyll have to be carted off in body bags. The Eagles defense scored three touchdowns in a 28-14 win and knocked nine Redskins out of the game, including two quarterbacks.A year earlier, Philadelphia routed the Cowboys 27-0 on Thanksgiving Day with hardly any holiday feelings in the air. Cowboys kicker Luis Zendejas claimed Ryan put a $200 bounty on him, something Ryan laughed off as ridiculous.After one season as an assistant at Houston, Arizona hired Ryan as head coach in 1994 and the Cardinals went 12-20 in his two years there. He never coached again, letting Rex and Rob carry on the family legacy.There is no way we can possibly begin to measure how much football we have learned from him over the years, Rex Ryan said. And we are forever thankful to him for instilling within us his unwavering love for the game of football.Ryans Shelbyville home was about 30 miles east of Louisville. Few seemed to know about Ryan at two small restaurants attached to convenience stores, just a mile away from his golf course development. Fire and police officials said the coach also had a horse farm about 20 miles west in Simpsonville.Alan Zaring, though, thought Ryan made a fine neighbor.He didnt make a big deal about his past, and he could just be himself, said Zaring, who lived next door to him for seven years. He was still Buddy Ryan and could be crusty with people who sometimes worked at the house, but it would be in good fun. He didnt take himself too seriously.He will be missed, Zaring said.---AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi and Sports Writers Gary B. Graves and Andrew Seligman contributed to this report---This story has been corrected to show that Ryans age was 85. The change is made in keeping with public records. 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