Former WWE wrestler Chris Nowinski recalls conversation with Vince McMahon regarding head trauma

Former WWE wrestler Chris Nowinski, co-founder of the Sports Legacy Institute, recalled during a Newsday.com interview a 2011 conversation he had with Vince McMahon that led to WWE getting more involved in head trauma research. ""He let me know how proud he was [of SLI], how far the research had come, the influence we had in changing the culture in sports," Nowinski told Newsday.com's Joshua Stewart. "And he really opened up the door to saying how could we work together, both to protect the talent in WWE, but it's also ingrained that they're supporting CTE research that will benefit athletes, military veterans and the world at large."

Nowinski was also asked how WWE compares to other pro sports. "The NFL has also been supportive financially of our research," Nowinski said. "I think what's most special to me -- I do a lot of speaking on this and a lot of training. Very few professional leagues have invited me in front of their talent, in front of the athletes. because I think they're sometimes concerned about what message they'll get, and their ability to maybe put them back into a big game when they need them. I think some leagues like that the players don't necessarily know the risks they're being exposed to." Read the full story at Newsday.com/sports/pro-wrestling/wwe-to-be-honored-by-sports-legacy-institute-for-work-on-concussions-1.6300220.

Powell's POV: WWE was honored by the Sports Legacy Institute with the 2013 Impact Award on Wednesday night at the Boston Harbor Hotel. The company donated $1.2 million to SLI for a three-year research program. I am surprised that WWE has yet to make a fuss over the award, though perhaps they still will. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon accepted the award on Wednesday and Stephanie acknowledged doing so on her Twitter page. For more information SLI, visit http://www.sportslegacy.org.