Helmet Makers Scheming to Stop Safety Add-Ons: Suit (Corrected)

Sept. 17, 2019, 5:14 PM UTCUpdated: Sept. 18, 2019, 2:18 PM UTC

Riddell Inc., Schutt Sports, Xenith LLC, and a standards-setting group were accused in the Eastern District of Michigan of conspiring to prevent widespread adoption of clip-on products that make football helmets safer.

The suit targets the three equipment makers, which allegedly control 90% of the football helmet market, and the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. Riddell is controlled through a subsidiary by private equity firm Fenway Partners, Xenith by Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, and Schutt Sports by its own senior leadership after a management buyout last year.

The case was filed by Mayfield Athletics, a smaller ...

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