NEW YORK -- The NFL says it will spend an additional $100 million to develop new technology and support more medical research into the growing problem of head injuries.Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the Play Smart. Play Safe initiative in an open letter Wednesday.He writes: When it comes to addressing head injuries in our game, Im not satisfied, and neither are the owners of the NFLs 32 clubs. We can and will do better.Under the initiative, $60 million will be devoted toward developing technology such as improved helmets and $40 million will be allotted for medical research. There will be four pillars to the program: protecting players, advanced technology, medical research, and sharing progress with the public.The NFL and its partners already are spending $100 million on research and new technology.Despite that, the league has been heavily criticized in its handling of head trauma over the decades. It reached a settlement that will pay about $1 billion over 65 years to more than 20,000 retired players.Goodell writes that the NFL has made important progress in health and safety. Weve made safety-related rules changes, encouraged advancements in equipment, improved medical protocols and care and changed the way we teach the game.Rightfully, much of the public discussion is about concussions -- how they happen, how they can be prevented and treated and what is known about their long-term impact.Under Play Smart, Play Safe, the league will establish an independent, scientific advisory board comprised of doctors, scientists and clinicians to identify and support the most compelling proposals for scientific research into concussions, head injuries and their long-term effects, Goodell writes.Previously, the NFL announced it was hiring a chief medical officer who will work with each teams medical staff, the medical committees of the NFL and the players union, and outside scientific and medical communities.Goodell believes this will help ensure that our clubs have access to the most up-to-date information, that our research funds are effectively advancing science and sports medicine, and that our players and team staffs receive timely and comprehensive information on injury prevention, diagnosis and treatment.Goodell emphasizes in his letter the need for transparency.We know there is skepticism about our work in this area. Thats why both the process and the results of our work will be shared with the medical community and the public at large, he writes.Noting the rise in reported concussions in 2015 -- caused in part by new rules, enhanced protocols and technology -- Goodell reasons that more screening, self-reporting and collection of concussion data will inform increasingly reliable preventive measures. This is an important culture change for all of us.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFLCheap Anaheim Ducks Jerseys China .C. -- Al Jefferson joked that he feels he can score from anywhere on the court. Cheap NHL Jerseys Fast Shipping . Artturi Lehkonen, Joni Nikko and Ville Leskinen had the other goals for Finland (1-0) while Juuse Saros stopped 28 shots. Tim Robin Johnsgard had the lone goal for Norway (0-2). http://www.cheaphockeychina.com/ . 1 position. The Mustangs (6-0), who beat Queens 50-31 last weekend, earned 17 first-place votes and 287 points in voting by the Football Reporters of Canada. Western was last ranked first in the country in October 2011. Cheap Boston Bruins Jerseys China . Coach Mike Munchak says Fokou stretched ligaments in his left knee Oct. 13 against Seattle, which could keep out up to five weeks even though the linebacker didnt need surgery. Cheap Arizona Coyotes Jerseys China .H. -- Matt Kenseth made it 2 for 2 in the Chase, holding off teammate Kyle Busch to win Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. We asked some of our favorite female athletes what theyre asking for, or what theyd recommend giving someone, this holiday season.Here are the top picks for 2016. (Note: Although many of the pro athletes are sponsored by these big-name brands, each athlete picked the gear she likes best and uses most within the brand.)For my training:Ab Dolly (No. 13)I used an Ab Dolly at a gym, and my stomach has never been so sore. I want one to use at home twice a week. I am hoping my husband buys this for me -- wink wink! -Kara Goucher, U.S. long-distance runner and Olympic bronze medalist ($119.80; abdolly.com)Apple Watch Series 2 (No. 2)As a runner and an athlete looking to add more swimming to my regimen, the new GPS and swim functions of this watch are attractive to me. I also like the ability to receive emails and texts from clients so I never miss an opportunity. Im not one to pick up my phone while training clients, but at least I can respond with a quick preconstructed text from my watch so I never miss a beat. -Kira Stokes, celebrity trainer in New York City and creator of the Stoked method (from $269; apple.com)Garmin Edge 520 Bike Computer (No. 9)We really want a bike computer that automatically updates to Strava Live (a social networking and tracking site for athletes) and also gives midride Strava segment results. No more waiting until you stop to upload the ride before seeing if you got the Queen of the Mountain! -Laurel and Rebeccah Wassner, professional triathletes ($299.99; garmin.com)NormaTec Pulse Leg Recovery System (No. 15)OK, so totally a Santa, Ive been soooo good splurge, but Id love a pair of these boots. I realize Im far from an elite or pro athlete, but as I get older, I am continually reminded of how important recovery is. Despite being 44 years old, Ive still got some pretty ambitious athletic goals for myself, and being able to slide into a pair of high-tech recovery boots after a tough workout sounds like heaven to me. -Dimity McDowell Davis, runner, blogger and creator of Another Mother Runner podcast ($1,395; normatecrecovery.com)Wahoo Fitness KICKR Power Trainer (No. 16)Im asking for an indoor bike trainer. Ive looked at a few, and the reason I love this one is because you dont use the rear wheel and have rubber burning the whole time but instead it allows you to take off the back wheel and put the bike on the trainer easily, without wearing your back tire. -Jenny Fletcher, professional triathlete ($1,199.99; wahoofitness.com)For my kitchen:Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine (No. 7)My fiancé and I just bought a new house together and we should be moving in any day, so everything on my Christmas list is all home related. We are both huge coffee lovers and really want a new machine. -Nastia Liukin, Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics ($599.95; williams-sonoma.com)GEFU Spirelli 2.0 Spiral Slicer (No. 8)I save my cheat moments for my sweet tooth, but generally speaking I like to fuel my body with nutritious foods! So much can be made with a spiralizer as a healthier option for pasta! Its just a fun thing to add to my kitchen. -Ally Love, in-arena host of the Brooklyn Nets and professional dancer ($29.99; bedbathandbeyondd.ddddddddddddcom)Cozy jackets:Team USA Nike Tech Fleece (No. 14)This is one of my favorite pieces of gear from Nike because of how warm it is. It also goes with every outfit. -Laurie Hernandez, Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics ($98.97; nike.com)Castelli Perfetto Jacket (No. 6)In keeping up with the holidays and the time to recover, recommit and enjoy the colder weather, I love the Perfetto jacket. Its warm when the temperature drops below 50 degrees, its beautifully cut -- just for women -- and its water repellent! -Mirinda Carfrae, three-time world Ironman champion ($199.95; competitivecyclist.com)Lacoste Womens Sport Geometric Printed Taffeta Jacket (No. 3)I love this jacket because its perfect now for the cooler weather, and I think the pattern is really different and flattering. -Christina McHale, pro tennis player ($185; lacoste.com)Shoes and socks:Bombas Womens Original Calf Socks (No. 12)Ive loved Bombas long before we started working together. These are one of my favorites because you can work out and snowboard in them. And for each pair of socks purchased, a pair is donated to the homeless. -Hannah Teter, Olympic gold-medal snowboarder ($12; bombas.com)Nike Air Presto Mid Utility Sneakerboots (No. 10)I love a good sneakerboot -- theyre my favorite weatherized shoes. I really enjoy hiking and I never want the winter to stop me from what I love to do, so these boots are crucial for being active in the outdoors. -Ali Krieger, U.S. soccer player and World Cup champion ($140; nike.com)Specialized Defroster Trail Mountain Bike Shoes (No. 1)I spend a lot of time in the Midwest, and my feet get cold easily. However, with these winter cycling shoes, Im able to train outdoors with warm feet. The shoe is durable [and] comfortable and keeps my feet warm at temperatures well below freezing. -Gwen Jorgensen, Olympic gold medalist in triathlon ($200; specialized.com for retailers)Ski and snowboard gear:Sweaty Betty Mountain Top Seamless Ski Top and Leggings (No. 17)I love these base layers because theyre quick-drying, sweat-wicking and temperature-regulating, making them perfect for a day on the mountain. And its such a cute print! -Heather Mitts Feeley, Olympic gold medalist in soccer ($105 each; sweatybetty.com)La Sportiva Vapor Nano Skis (No. 11)These are my favorite skis from my sponsor, La Sportiva. Theyre a perfect lightweight, rockered, mid-fat charging ski made for ski mountaineering, which is what I love doing. -Meredith Edwards, ultrarunner and member of the U.S. Ski Mountaineering Team ($1,200; sportiva.com)Indoor training:B Mat Strong Long Yoga Mat in Ocean Green (No. 4)Its the best yoga stuff out there! This mat helps me grip and stay strong in my poses. -Christen Press, U.S. soccer player and World Cup champion ($95; byoganow.com)New Balance Accelerate Tight (No. 5)My favorite gear is from New Balance, and Im so fortunate to be sponsored by such an incredible brand. These leggings are the best -- I wear them for every occasion. -Heather Watson, British professional tennis player ($54.99; newbalance.com) ' ' '