USA Football’s “Team USA vs. The World” game, presented by Riddell, is an official NFL Pro Bowl Week event. The game features USA Football’s 2010 Junior National Team and a World Select team comprised of players and coaches spanning four continents in Ft. Lauderdale’s historic Lockhart Stadium. Team USA includes America’s top high school football student-athletes. The game will air after Jan. 30 AFC and NFC All-Star practices in Lockhart Stadium and both events are free of charge.

“Being part of this game is important to us,” said Riddell President DAN ARMENT. “Americans know how football brings people and communities together and the sport has done that for generations. USA Football’s ‘Team USA vs. The World’ game shows the global passion for football’s excitement and team-first values with athletes and coaches spanning 12 nations. Riddell is proud to be associated with this game and USA Football.”

The head coach of USA Football’s Junior National Team is CHRIS MERRITT, head coach of Miami Christopher Columbus High School. Merritt was the 2009 USA Football Junior National Team’s defensive backs coach that earned a gold medal in Canton, Ohio, this past July in the eight-nation International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championship. The tournament was the first junior world championship in football history, drawing more than 40,000 fans to Canton’s Fawcett Stadium during the course of four game days.

JAN JENMERT, head coach of Sweden’s junior national football team, is the head coach of the 45-man “World” roster.

Delivering NFL Network game commentary for the multi-national noon ET kickoff on Jan. 30 will be RICH EISEN, DEION SANDERS and SCOTT KENNEDY. Sideline reporter STACEY DALES will contribute on-field insight.

USA Football’s “Team USA vs. The World” game, presented by Riddell, is also supported by numerous USA Football corporate partners, including Shock Doctor, GameWear Team Sports, Gatorade, Cutters and the Andrews Institute.

For more about USA Football’s “Team USA vs. The World” game, presented by Riddell, visit www.usavworld.com.

About USA Football

USA Football, the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels, hosts more than 80 football training events annually offering education for coaches and game officials, skill development for players and resources for youth football league commissioners. The independent non-profit is the official youth football development partner of the NFL, its 32 teams and the NFL Players Association. USA Football manages U.S. national teams within the sport for international competitions and provides $1 million annually in equipment grants and youth league volunteer background check subsidies. Endowed by the NFL and NFLPA in 2002 through the NFL Youth Football Fund, USA Football is chaired by former NFL team executive Carl Peterson.

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USA Football, the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels, is accepting applications for equipment grants to youth, middle school and high school football programs throughout the country based on merit and need. USA Football will award $1 million in equipment grants to football programs across the United States in preparation for the 2010 season.

USA Football’s grant program has assisted the youth and high school football community since 2006 and will have awarded more than $3 million worth of football equipment by the end of this year.

USA Football is an independent non-profit organization and is the official youth football development partner of the NFL, its 32 teams and the NFL Players Association.

Each youth league (players aged 6-14) selected for a grant receives a $1,000 package that offers a variety of football equipment to choose from. High schools receive similar packages valued at $1,500. All grants are fulfilled by Riddell, the official football helmet and protective equipment partner of USA Football and its national team program. Awarded Riddell equipment includes helmets, shoulder pads, field equipment and apparel.

Youth leagues and schools may submit applications through June 4, at http://www.usafootball.com/grants_and_fundraisers. Applications may be submitted online or mailed.

“Our equipment grants help youth leagues and school football programs continue to make a positive impact in their communities through America’s favorite sport,” USA Football Executive Director SCOTT HALLENBECK said. “Even with multiple fundraisers and registration fees, some organizations struggle to properly equip their teams. We’re proud to help ensure great football experiences for the young people, families and volunteers who power this sport and celebrate its values of teamwork and sportsmanship.”

USA Football offers innovative programs and resources to further strengthen the sport and provide players a positive football experience. The independent non-profit has members – players, coaches, youth league commissioners, and game officials – in all 50 states. More than 1.1 million high school boys play football, which more than doubles the next-played sport by this group.

USA Football’s equipment grant program is made possible through the NFL Youth Football Fund, a non-profit foundation created by the NFL and NFL Players Association in 1998.

About USA Football
USA Football, the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels, conducts more than 100 football training events annually to further strengthen the game. USA Football members – coaches, game officials and league commissioners – reside in all 50 states. The independent non-profit is the official youth football development partner of the NFL, its 32 teams and the NFL Players Association and also manages U.S. national teams within the sport for international competition. USA Football is chaired by former NFL team executive Carl Peterson.

Contact:
Christie Burgner Shein
MSLGROUP
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The study, which will be published in February’s edition of Neurosurgery, found that athletes who wore the Riddell Revolution helmet were 31 percent less likely to suffer a concussion compared to athletes who wore traditional football helmets. The authors of the study estimate that the Revolution’s patented technology could translate to 18,000 to 46,000 fewer concussions among the 1.5 million high school players who participate in football each season. While these results are very encouraging, Riddell stresses that no helmet will prevent all concussions.

“The study compared the concussion and recovery rates for high school players wearing Riddell Revolution helmets versus helmets of traditional design,” said Thad Ide, Riddell’s vice president of research and development, who joined other researchers in co-authoring the paper with Drs. Michael Collins and Mark Lovell of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program. “The Revolution helmet is a great first step in reducing the risk of concussion to the athlete, but we can’t stress enough the importance of proper management when concussions do occur.”

The Riddell Revolution was the first football helmet designed with the intent of reducing the risk of concussion. The Revolution design features patented technology that was based on extensive research funded by NFL Charities. Researchers found that most of the concussion-causing impacts were to the side of the head, face or jaw of the struck player in incidents that were re-created in the laboratory after video analysis.

The unique design of the Revolution helmet is based on a Tru-Curve shell shape, which was computer-designed around the head’s center of gravity. It features increased side and facial protection to lessen the impact in these areas.

“The reinvention of the conventional helmet began with a focus on the head’s center of gravity and increasing protection where it was needed most,” added Ide. “At the heart of the Revolution is its Tru-Curve shell shape — it enabled us to improve protection, comfort, fit and vision – all great benefits for the athlete.”
When the Riddell Revolution was introduced in 2002 it was the first major innovation in football helmets in 25 years – since that time more than 300,000 youth, high school and pro players have made the switch from traditional helmets to the Revolution.

“The presence of an anticipated protective advantage compelled us to recommend the helmet to our players when it was originally introduced,” said Tim Bream, head certified athletic trainer for the Chicago Bears. “This new data helps our players make an informed choice when deciding which helmet is best for them.”

“As a mother and wife of an ex-NFL player I have a unique perspective,” said Jennifer Montana, wife of Pro Football Hall of Famer, Joe Montana. “Our kids’ protection is paramount, so when I heard about the protective benefits of the Revolution, I wanted my kids, and the other players from their football league, to have the best protection available. In my eyes, this new research confirms that the Revolution is the best football helmet for my kids.”

For more than 75 years, Riddell has continued to be the leader in innovation for the protective equipment industry.

“True to our roots, Riddell has always made protective equipment innovation a priority,” said Bill Sherman, president and CEO of Riddell, Inc. “We’re excited that the UPMC results validate the Revolution, but we don’t plan to rest on our laurels.”

For more information about the Riddell Revolution family of products, ask your football coach or athletic director, or log on to www.riddell.com.

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Four of the Top 10 teams in the country, including No. 4 Florida, No. 5 Texas, No. 6 Oklahoma and No. 7 USC, are currently sporting Riddell Revolution Speed helmets. The Longhorns boast more players wearing the Riddell Revolution Speed than any other Division-I college football team.

Other Top 25 teams currently wearing the Revolution Speed include the No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes, No. 14 Georgia Bulldogs, No. 23 Maryland Terrapins, No. 24 Florida State Seminoles and No. 25 Pittsburgh Panthers.

“To say the technology in the Revolution Speed Helmet is creating a buzz in the football world is an understatement,” said Dan Arment, president of Riddell. “From offering the very latest in protective technology combined with comfort and style, this helmet is truly the pinnacle of protective wear.”

Shown to reduce incidence of concussion by 31% versus traditional helmets*, the helmet’s Revolution Concussion Reduction Technology uses three principal design elements – an offset shell, mandible extensions and energy managing S-Pads – to provide superior protection for players on the field. Additionally, the Revolution Speed utilizes Riddell’s proprietary push-button Quick Release™ Face Mask Attachment System to cut cage removal time by 50 percent – a feature that certified athletic trainers are demanding.

* Neurosurgery, February 2006, Vol. 58, No.2

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The three-count federal court complaint identifies three Schutt helmet models that infringe upon Riddell’s patented technologies for football helmets and faceguards. Infringing products are identified as Schutt helmets marketed under the “DNA,” “ION,” and “AIR XP” product names.

The Riddell patents protect key technological features of helmets and faceguards that offer wearers greater injury protection, performance and personal comfort. The suit alleges that despite Riddell’s patent protection, Schutt has used Riddell’s technology without permission.

“Riddell’s pioneering products offer unique innovations that protect our athletes,” said Dan Arment, President of Riddell, Inc. “We are committed to developing the best sports equipment for our customers and we will protect our research and development legacy against any company trying to use Riddell technology in their products.”

The lawsuit asks a federal jury to prevent further patent infringement and to award damages.

Riddell designs, markets and reconditions helmets, uniforms and protective equipment used in football and other team sports. Founded in Chicago in 1929, Riddell has been the official helmet of the National Football League for 19 years and is the market leader in the institutional football category. Riddell helmets protect more NFL and Division 1 NCAA football players than any other. Riddell also delivers “best in class” equipment and reconditioning services. For more information, visit Riddell at www.riddell.com.

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Riddell’s ground-breaking three-year partnership (through 2011) with USA Football marks its first with a national governing body and represents its most significant foray into the youth football community, composed of approximately 3.0 million players and more than 120,000 teams.

Independent non-profit USA Football, based near Washington, D.C., conducts more than 100 annual football training events nationwide offering education for coaches and game officials, skill development for players and resources for youth football league administrators. USA Football members – coaches, game officials and league administrators – reside in every state and the District of Columbia.

Riddell, whose equipment is worn by more than 80% of NFL players, will be woven into USA Football’s 12-month calendar of national events and initiatives including:
- USA Football National Teams: outfit America’s national teams in football for international competitions
- USA Football Coaching Schools: full-day coaching clinics exclusively designed for volunteer youth football coaches
- USA Football Player Academies: three-day player camps for youngsters aged 9-14

The partnership gives Riddell the exclusive right to provide helmets and protective equipment for USA Football’s 2009 Junior National Team, America’s first high school-aged national team in football. Team USA will compete among an eight-nation field spanning four continents at the 2009 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championship in Canton, Ohio’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium from June 27-July 5. More than 50 nations have national federations dedicated exclusively to American Football.

“USA Football is a terrific fit for Riddell with its large and dedicated membership attending first-class football training events nationwide,” said Riddell President DAN ARMENT. “This partnership will have an immediate positive impact for us within football’s passionate grassroots community. It also represents a further extension of our commitment and involvement in youth football, and we’re truly honored to be an integral part of the USA Football Junior National Team.”

“Welcoming an industry leader like Riddell into the USA Football family is a tremendous source of excitement for us,” said USA Football Executive Director SCOTT HALLENBECK. “We’re proud to place Riddell equipment on our national teams and to provide their high-quality equipment to the hundreds of youth and school-based football programs that benefit from our equipment grants. We highly value our new and dynamic Riddell relationship.”

About USA Football

USA Football conducts more than 100 football training events annually to strengthen the game on youth and amateur levels. USA Football members – coaches, game officials and league administrators – reside in all 50 states. The independent non-profit based near Washington, D.C., manages U.S. national teams within the sport for international competitions and has provided more than $1.5 million in equipment grants for youth leagues and high school football programs since 2006. USA Football was started by the NFL and NFLPA in 2002 through the NFL Youth Football Fund and is chaired by former U.S. Congressman and professional quarterback Jack Kemp. For more, visit usafootball.com.

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MSLGROUP
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Riddell is revered throughout the NFL and NCAA for its industry-leading protective wear. The technology built into helmets such as the Revolution Speed, for instance – worn by many NFL and college football players – is shown to reduce the incidence of concussion by nearly a third.

“Riddell is pleased to be a part of the American Youth Football organization,” said Dan Arment, president of Riddell. “We recognize the importance of protection for players of all ages and we embrace AYF’s belief in creating an atmosphere where all kids deserve equal opportunities, special attention and respect.”

Riddell will be offering its protective technologies in the form of helmets and shoulder pads, in addition to comprehensive tutorials and educational information aimed at players, parents, coaches and administrators alike.

“AYF is excited to have football’s most respected protective equipment company on board,” said Jessica Abramovich, Executive Director of American Youth Football. “Our players will benefit from this partnership, as it fulfills our continued mission to provide them with the highest level of protection.”

About American Youth Football

American Youth Football, Inc. (AYF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, and National Youth Partner of the National Football League. AYF provides support services, scholarships, grants, “Giving Back” programs and tournaments to over 500,000 youth members. Representing participants in over 2000 cities, AYF is the only youth football program with members in all 50 states and several countries worldwide. AYF is committed to Giving Back and since its inception in 1996, has successfully donated over $14 million dollars in grants and athletic product to communities that support youth football. AYF offers all-inclusive football and cheer divisions enabling every child a place and an opportunity to play. Visit www.americanyouthfootball.com for more information.

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MSLGROUP
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(CHICAGO, August 10, 2010) – A federal court jury in Madison, Wis., has found that Schutt Sports Inc.’s DNA and ION football helmets infringed the concussion reduction technology features of the Riddell Revolution family of football helmets. The jury awarded Riddell just under $30 million in damages for Schutt’s infringing activities.
Riddell, the leading manufacturer of football helmets and a division of Easton-Bell Sports, had filed the original three-count federal court complaint in December 2008. Riddell had contended that Schutt, the company’s chief competitor, had illegally infringed upon Riddell’s patented concussion reduction technologies for football helmets and faceguards. The Riddell patents protect key technological features of helmets and faceguards that offer wearers greater injury protection, performance and personal comfort. The suit had alleged that despite Riddell’s patent protection, Schutt had unlawfully misappropriated Riddell’s head protection technology without permission.
“Riddell is the industry leader in football helmet safety and we have invested millions of dollars in technology and helmet design innovation to ensure we are providing the very best head protection available,” said Dan Arment, president of Riddell. “We are pleased and gratified that the jury recognized that the concussion reduction technology of our helmet inventions as embodied in the Revolution family of helmets was wrongfully infringed by Schutt. We will continue to vigorously and thoroughly defend any patent infringements against our helmet and protective equipment designs and technologies.”

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ABOUT RIDDELL
Founded in 1929, Riddell is a premier designer and developer of protective sports equipment and a recognized leader in helmet technology and innovation. One of Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.’s most well-known brands and the Official Helmet of the NFL®, Riddell is the leading manufacturer of football helmets, shoulder pads and reconditioning services (cleaning, repairing, repainting and recertifying existing equipment).

ABOUT EASTON-BELL SPORTS, INC.
Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded sports equipment, protective products and related accessories. The company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Giro, Riddell, and Blackburn. Easton-Bell Sports’ products incorporate leading technology and designs and are used by professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. Headquartered in Van Nuys, Calif., the company has 30 facilities worldwide.

PRESS RELEASE
For media inquiries, please contact Jillian Chertok. 212-468-4306 PR@riddellsports.com

IN THE NEWS

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Youth, middle school and high school football programs are eligible to apply for football equipment grants from USA Football, the sport’s national governing body in the United States. The online application resides at usafootball.com and is available through May 17.

Based on merit and need, USA Football will award $1 million in football equipment grants to assist and further strengthen America’s grassroots football community. USA Football’s grant program has assisted the youth and high school football community since 2006 and will have awarded more than $4 million worth of football equipment by the end of this year. The program is made possible through the NFL Youth Football Fund.

Youth leagues that are 501(c)(3) compliant and schools may submit equipment grant applications through 5 p.m. ET on May 17 at www2.usafootball.com/grants. Applications may be submitted online or mailed.

More than 4 million children and high school students play organized tackle football, placing the game among the country’s most popular youth and scholastic participatory sports.

Each selected youth league and middle school program receives a $1,000 package that offers a variety of football equipment and uniform options to choose from. High schools receive similar packages valued at $1,500. Equipment grants are fulfilled by Riddell, the official helmet and protective equipment partner of USA Football.

USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the NFL and its 32 teams. The NFL Youth Football Fund is a non-profit foundation created by the NFL and the NFL Players Association to promote positive youth development, support youth and high school football needs nationwide and ensure the health of grassroots football for future generations.

Youth leagues and schools may employ their USA Football grant to follow new football helmet reconditioning protocols set forth by the National Athletic Equipment Reconditioning Association (NAERA). Effective at the end of the 2011 football season, any helmet 10 years old or older will not be reconditioned or recertified by a NAERA member.

“Our equipment grants help youth leagues and school football programs continue to make a positive impact in their communities through America’s favorite sport,” USA Football Executive Director SCOTT HALLENBECK said. “Even with multiple fundraisers and registration fees, some organizations struggle to properly equip their teams. We’re proud to help ensure great football experiences for the young people, families and volunteers who power this sport and celebrate its values of teamwork and sportsmanship.”

Independent nonprofit USA Football offers innovative programs and development resources to ensure a positive football experience for youth and high school players. USA Football members – players, coaches, youth league commissioners and game officials – reside in all 50 states.

About USA Football

USA Football, the sport’s national governing body, hosts more than 80 football training events annually offering education for coaches and game officials, skill development for players and resources for youth football league commissioners. The independent nonprofit is the official youth football development partner of the NFL and its 32 teams. USA Football manages U.S. national teams within the sport for international competition and provides more than $1 million annually in equipment grants and youth league volunteer background check subsidies. Endowed by the NFL and NFL Players Association in 2002 through the NFL Youth Football Fund, USA Football (www.usafootball.com) is chaired by former NFL team executive Carl Peterson.

Contact:
Christie Burgner Shein
MSLGROUP
(312) 861-5237
christie.shein@mslgroup.com

April 12, 2011; (Van Nuys, CA) – Easton-Bell Sports today announced it will serve as an official sponsor of the “2011 National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury (PABI) Plan Tour,” an initiative of The Sarah Jane Brain Foundation (SJBF). PABI is the leading cause of death and disability for children and young adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over 765,000 American youth enter an Emergency Department every year with a new traumatic brain injury, while more than 80,000 are hospitalized and over 11,000 die annually. The nationwide public awareness tour will visit more than 40 states along its journey, ending in the middle of June.

“Easton-Bell Sports and its associated brands – Riddell, Easton, Bell and Giro – are committed to providing the best head protection for athletes who play sports at all levels,” said Easton-Bell Sports President and CEO Paul Harrington. “We are very pleased to support the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation, which shares a vision complementary to ours. We look forward to jointly working with the Foundation to help protect children and drive greater awareness of head injury issues.”

The tour will promote awareness of youth brain injuries to high schools across the country, as well as introduce the National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan (PABI Plan). The PABI Plan is the Sarah Jane Brain Project’s mission – to develop a seamless, standardized, evidence-based system of care universally accessible for all children/young adults and their families dealing with PABI, regardless of where they live. The tour will visit town hall meetings at local universities and hospitals, as well as professional, collegiate and youth sporting events to highlight the risks and symptoms associated with brain injuries. A complete list of tour visits can be found online here: www.Sports-CNN.com or on Facebook at SportsCNN.

“One of the causes of Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury is from Traumatic Brain Injury, which can be caused by any trauma to the head, including sports concussions,” said Sarah Jane Brain Foundation Founder Patrick Donohue. “We are grateful to Easton-Bell Sports for its contribution to helping the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation fight Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury, as well as its ongoing commitment to developing protective head equipment that helps save lives.”

About Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.
Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of innovative sports equipment, protective products and related accessories. The Company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Riddell and Giro. Its products incorporate leading technology and designs and are used by professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, Easton-Bell Sports has 29 facilities worldwide. More information is available at www.eastonbellsports.com.

About The Sarah Jane Brain Foundation
The Sarah Jane Brain Foundation is one of the largest organizations in the country dealing with the #1 leading cause of death and disability for American youth: pediatric acquired brain injury. Its International Advisory Board is comprised of over 200 leading experts from just about every major medical institution and research university across the country and they created the National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan (PABI Plan) which develops a seamless, standardized, evidence-based system of care that is universally accessible for the millions of PABI families across the country. For more information about the foundation please visit their website www.TheBrainProject.org

Contact:
Christie Burgner Shein
MSLGROUP
(312) 861-5237
christie.shein@mslgroup.com