Seattle-based University of Washington released a report on Sept. 16, offering a conclusion regarding the conduct of neurosurgeon Richard Ellenbogen, MD, in relation to the National Institutes of Health's $16 million head trauma grant, according to The Seattle Times.
The report found that Dr. Ellenbogen, who serves as the school of medicine's neurosurgery department chair and an unpaid co-chair of the NFL's Head, Neck and Spine Committee, did not influence the selection of the NIH grant "in any improper way," according to the report.
The report's findings differ from the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee's report released in May by Democrats. That government report concluded Dr. Ellenbogen "'inappropriately' intervened in the award process and was a 'primary example of the conflicts of interest between his role as a researcher and his role,' as the NFL adviser," according to The Seattle Times.
Originally, the head trauma grant funding was a part of the NFL's unrestricted $30 million donation to the NIH. But, Dr. Ellenbogen and his fellow NFL advisers flagged a Boston University researcher and team who were in the running for the $16 million grant, because the NFL felt the BU researcher was biased. Due to this information, the NIH chose to fund the study with federal money.
The congressional report noted the NFL didn't "prioritize health and safety" in its actions, and pointed out Dr. Ellenbogen was in the running for the grant with a different proposal.
The University of Washington report noted Dr. Ellenbogen didn't "violate any applicable or generally accepted ethical standards," and recommended the school not move forward with any disciplinary action. A University of Washington spokesperson said the medical school dean will take no action against Dr. Ellenbogen.
Read more about the reports, here.