Shannon Rose sent along the following:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2009
WRESTLING STAR TO AID IN CONCUSSION RESEARCH
(Quincy, MA) – Former WWE Superstar “The Promise” Antonio Thomas, is combining brains with brawn—literally.
Thomas is the latest professional wrestler to donate his brain to concussion research.
The Sports Legacy Institute (SLI), founded by former WWE wrestler Chris Nowinski and Dr. Robert Cantu, is the recipient of Thomas’s donation, which is part of an effort to further understand concussions and their effect on the brain.
The SLI, founded in 2008, is dedicated to advancing the health and wellness of athletes and improving the safety of sports & other athletic endeavors.
“It’s the least I can do, to help other wrestlers and athletes after me,” Thomas says of his involvement with the SLI.
Former NHL star Keith Primeau, whose career was cut short due to multiple concussions, is among the professional athletes who’ve pledged to donate their brains after death, joining several pro wrestlers in the cause.
Wrestling-wise, “The Promise” will appear at the New England Championship Wrestling (NECW) “Tag Team Classic” on Saturday, September 19, in Quincy, MA.
Thomas was tight-lipped but excited about the event.
“The fans will have to wait and see what I have in store, and I’ll have to wait to see their reaction. But it’s going to be awesome,” Thomas says of the NECW event in Quincy.
Thomas is fresh off an appearance on “The Figure Four Daily,” a very popular Internet radio show about wrestling, hosted by pro grappler Bryan Alvarez. Thomas appeared on September 8.
“’Figure Four Daily’ is a major wrestling talk show,” Thomas said when asked about his appearance. “It’s really big, and I’m proud to be a part of it now.”
For more information about the SLI and its mission, visit www.sportslegacy.org.
For more information about the NECW event on September 19, visit www.NECWrestling.com.
