Former WWE and current TNA wrestlers including Rob Van Dam, Ken Anderson, Dawn Marie, and Matt Morgan join SLI head trauma research program, Chris Nowinski comments on the ESPN story regarding concussions

Former WWE wrestler Chris Nowinski sent a a press release to Prowrestling.net on Wednesday to announce that over 20 wrestlers have pledged to join the brain trauma study being conducted by the Sports Legacy Institute.

"Over 20 wrestlers have already enrolled or recently pledged to join the study, including Rob Van Dam, Matt Morgan, Lance Storm, Ken Kennedy, Molly Holly, Tony Garea, Antonio Thomas, Dawn Marie, Kevin Fertig, and other big names who at this point choose to remain anonymous," Nowinski wrote. "The only group of professional athletes so far with a greater commitment to this research is NFL players, with over 60 current and retired players involved."

Nowinski also commented on the ESPN story published earlier today that revealed that Andrew "Test" Martin was suffering from brain damage. "I was saddened today, but not surprised, to learn that Andrew 'Test' Martin was suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive trauma, when he passed away," Nowinski wrote. "I had the honor of wrestling Test on multiple occasions and he had my respect both as a performer and as a person."

Nowinski also encouraged other wrestlers to join the research program. "I would like to encourage current and former professional wrestlers to become part of the research that we expect will eventually lead to treatment and a cure for CTE. I am enrolled and will be donating my brain to help my former colleagues. I hope you will choose to join me and over 20 other members of our fraternity in this important endeavor."

Powell's POV: Interested parties are encouraged to enroll in the program by contacting Megan Wulff at 617-638-6143 or via email at mawulff@bu.edu. Nowinski retired from pro wrestling after experiencing concussion problems and has gone on to become the president of the Sports Legacy Institute, which has become a major force that has led to dramatic changes in the way that head trauma is treated in the NFL and other professional sports. For more information on the Sports Legacy Institute, visit SportsLegacy.org.