How a scientific scandal could force sport to rethink concussion

Dr Paul McCrory is a world-renowned concussion expert whose work
shaped concussion policy across global sport for the past 20 years.
In his work, and through his role on the influential Concussion in
Sport Group, McCrory had previously adopted a sceptical view on the
link between concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
– a progressive brain condition whose symptoms are similar to
Alzheimer’s disease. Last week, the British Journal of Sports
Medicine (BJSM) retracted nine of his articles and attached an
‘expression of concern’ to another 74. In an editorial, the BJSM,
and its publisher, BMJ, stated that ‘their trust in McCrory’s work
–specifically the articles that he has published as a single author
– is broken’. Ian Sample speaks to senior sports writer Andy Bull
about how the scandal unfolded, what it could mean for players and
what is likely to happen next. Help support our independent
journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod