NFL leaders monitoring viral EMF conspiracy theory about 49ers injuries that doctors have debunked
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Leaders from the NFL Players Association and the San Francisco 49ers are again pushing back against a viral conspiracy theory suggesting a nearby electrical substation could be contributing to the team's recent injury problems.
The theory resurfaced this week on football's biggest stage, prompting questions during a Super Bowl press conference Tuesday morning.
Interim NFLPA Executive Director David White said medical experts have found no evidence supporting the claim, though the union remains in communication with the league and players.
"Experts pretty universally publicly said there's nothing to be concerned about," White said. "We, of course, are monitoring that. We've been in contact with the league and players."
RELATED: Bay Area doctor shoots down 'baseless' claim that 49ers injuries are caused by EMF from substation
NFLPA President Jalen Reeves-Maybin said curiosity around the theory is not surprising, but emphasized the need for credible data.
49ers owner Jed York also addressed the theory Tuesday during an appearance on the 'Up & Adams with Kay Adams' show at Super Bowl Radio Row, noting the substation has been near the team's facilities for decades.
"It's been there since 1987," York said. "Jerry Rice was there. It didn't seem to affect Jerry Rice. It seems like Jerry Rice can still play today. I don't think that's something that's a real issue."
While Rice played at Candlestick Park and not Levi's Stadium, the team has had its primary practice facility at the location in Santa Clara since the late 1980s.
Medical experts have widely debunked the claim. The NFL's chief medical officer downplayed the theory last week, and sports medicine specialists say there is no clear connection between electrical infrastructure and injury rates.
Super Bowl live updates: Fan experience officially opens in San Francisco
Dr. Drew Lansdown -- a sports medicine surgeon at UCSF who specializes in knee, shoulder and elbow injuries -- said it is difficult to link the substation to what has been seen on the field.
"I think it's hard to draw that connection from the substation to what we've seen on the injury front," Lansdown said.
However, Lansdown said it is important for league leaders and medical experts to acknowledge public concerns rather than dismiss them outright.
"I think it is important to acknowledge that they have looked into it," Lansdown said. "To understand if there is something that could be done differently. I think the worst thing would be to ignore it."
49ers General Manager John Lynch has previously said the organization is reviewing the issue.
