IRVING, TEXAS: June 11, 2008 -- Sportexe Construction Services, Inc., one of the nation's largest synthetic turf companies, was recently awarded a contract to install two full-sized practice fields for The New York Jets of the National Football League.
Both of the fields will be installed at the Jets' Florham Park, NJ training facility. Approximately 77,000 square feet of Sportexe Momentum will be installed at the indoor practice facility, and approximately 103,000 square feet of Sportexe Momentum will be installed on an outdoor practice field. The fields will feature polyethylene fibers that will be in-filled with a combination of rounded silica sand and SBR rubber
The fields will be installed with tufted-in and inlaid NFL-specified lines, hash marks, inbound markers and numbers. The new Jets logo will be installed on both fields.
"We are very happy with our decision to use Sportexe at our new Atlantic Health Jets Training Center," said Bill Senn, Senior Vice President, Practice Facility. "Creating the best learning and practice environment is critical to the success of our team and these fields will contribute to making this facility top-notch."
Sportexe is no newcomer to NFL fields. The Irving, TX based company has installed Sportexe Momentum game fields for the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints. The San Francisco 49'ers and Buffalo Bills practice on Sportexe Momentum synthetic turf as well.
Sportexe President and CEO, Stephen P. Noe, is elated by the Jets' decision. "We are very excited to be part of the partnership developing this world class practice facility for the New York Jets," he said. "I am very pleased with the endorsements from the Jets regarding not only the performance of our products, but the confidence that they have shown in our organization to provide them with an artificial turf surface."
ALCO Sports Construction, Inc. of Lawrenceville, NJ is the general contractor for the project, and will be providing the sub base construction, drainage, etc. Frank Taylor, Executive Vice President of ALCO, is equally excited about the project. "We are extremely proud to be working on the New York Jets Facility," he said.
To all of our existing and future customers,
As many of you may be aware, there has been a great deal of information in the press lately regarding the health and safety of artificial turf playing surfaces. This flurry of information results from the fact that New Jersey health officials found what they consider to be high lead levels in two fields that were located near a remediation site. We understand these two fields were nylon fields installed in the late 1990's. Other newer polyethylene fields tested in the area were not found to contain high levels of lead. The New Jersey health officials are quoted in the initial articles as saying they believed the lead levels in the old nylon fields represented a "very low health risk", but they suggested further study was warranted. As a result of this initial study, the New Jersey health official contacted the Consumer Product Safety Commission to suggest they investigate this matter further.
Not surprisingly this situation has created a tremendous amount of concern among parents, school officials and others, (including Sportexe), regarding artificial turf fields. As opposed to putting out a quick response to this issue we have chosen to gather the facts and work with our industry association to develop a clear and thorough response to these concerns. Sportexe has always been diligent regarding product safety and integrity and will continue to apply the same commitment to reaffirm the safety of our turf products. One thing I have found very refreshing so far is that the individuals who have contacted us regarding this matter are very interested in "the facts not just the buzz". With that in mind, the following are the facts, as we know them, regarding this situation.
Background on the New Jersey Situation
In New Jersey, the concern started with an old synthetic nylon turf field in Newark located in an industrial section known as Ironbound. The field is bordered on three sides by an abandoned industrial complex of the former Tidewater Bailing Company, a facility that reclaimed and recycled various types of scrap metals. The EPA found the Tidewater property was contaminated with heavy metals. The contamination also was found in an adjacent natural grass field, after which the EPA tested the synthetic field and detected levels of lead chromate. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services then checked 12 more fields, 10 of which were fine. When they tested fibers from two of the fields, in Ewing and Hoboken, they found the fibers had lead chromate levels in the 3400 to 4100 mg/kg range.
The state then compared these findings to the soil threshold for lead cleanup and that's where the confusion initially began. Since the cleanup standard is 400 mg/kg, they concluded the fibers containing lead chromate were 10 times that threshold, sounding the cause for alarm. However, New Jersey's test doesn't compare apples to apples. The soil threshold for lead does not apply to lead chromate in synthetic turf, which is encapsulated in plastic to prevent it from being absorbed by the body, or migrating into the environment.
Science substantiates these findings. Two independent labs using EPA-approved protocol tested the ability of lead chromate to be released from turf fibers into the air or the environment. Both tests concluded that the lead chromate was contained within its plastic shell. Concerning the question whether lead chromate in synthetic turf presents a risk to humans who play on it, Dr. David Black, a toxicologist at Aegis Sciences Corporation, and Dr. Davis Lee, a chemist from the Georgia Institute of Technology, issued this joint statement on April 21, 2008 "There is no scientific evidence of a health risk for children or adults based on recent test results and current knowledge of the chemical structure of aged synthetic turf products." Even the New Jersey DHSS report itself acknowledges, "Available evidence suggests that there are no acute health risks due to use of artificial turf fields, and risks due to chronic and repeated exposure are unlikely."
The pigment used to color the nylon fiber in these older fields in New Jersey contains lead chromate, a component used to extend the yarn color lifespan. Lead chromate is a highly insoluble compound with extremely low bioavailability, which is diluted, extruded with resins, and microencapsulated within the nylon fiber. In fact, OSHA requires no protective measures when handling the turf fibers. Extremely low bioavailability means that even if the compound were to be ingested, it is very difficult for the compound to be absorbed within the body.
Specific Sportexe Situation
The following information is intended to answer questions about the products that you have purchased or may be considering purchasing from Sportexe.
- Sportexe provides a variety of polyethylene based products; specifically our PowerBlade®, BladeMaster®, Momentum®, OmniGrass® and OmegaTurf® products. The vast majority of the yarns in these products have been produced with non-heavy metal based products, for example the various green and white yarns. There are a few colors that were produced using low levels of lead chromate based pigments. Please contact a Sportexe representative if you have questions about the exact colors that are on your field. Again, the science indicates that no health issue exists, however we intend to be open with our disclosure.
- Going forward Sportexe will not be offering these heavy metal based color choices. We intend to substitute alternative colors based on non-heavy metal based pigments. Although we don't believe the current products represent a health issue, we believe that it is a prudent move from a public relations concern to remove these products from our product offerings so all of us associated with these products can present them as non heavy metal based system.
- Sportexe provides a variety of nylon based products; specifically our Dieter Turf®, Hockey Turf Elite®, Hockey Turf Club®, Victory Turf® and Mega Putt® products. Again, some of the product colors were produced using trace amounts of lead based pigments that are completely encapsulated in the polymer. The science, as highlighted above indicates that this does not represent an issue. However, please contact a Sportexe representative if you require specific information about your particular field.
- At the current time we are in discussions with our nylon yarn suppliers to evaluate alternative products, for the yarns that contain trace elements of lead that can be used in these applications. Where technically and economically feasible we intend to move away from the lead based pigments for the same reasons as highlighted above. We will keep you informed as we develop additional information on this subject.
In summary, all of the evidence indicates that the existing products as produced in the past are very safe for use. Going forward we need to be concerned with and address both the public perception and the scientific facts concerning the safety of our turf products. Due to this we will discontinue the use of lead based pigments within our polyethylene product line and we are investigating the potential to do that with our nylon supplier. Although we do not see a health risk in the current products we believe that this is the best decision for all of our constituents over the long run.
In addition to this letter, we have posted a Synthetic Turf Council press release regarding a scientific evaluation of these products on our web site. We will continue to provide information to our stakeholders as it becomes available. We appreciate the trust you have placed in Sportexe in the past and it is our goal to maintain that trust by not only providing you with the best products but also the most factual and straight-forward discussion of issues and concerns that we possibly can. Please do not hesitate to contact me or anyone else in the Sportexe organization if you have further questions.
Sincerely,Stephen P. NoePresident and CEOSportexe Construction Services, Inc.
EXPERTS AGREE THERE IS NO SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE OF HEALTH RISKS IN NEW JERSEY SYNTHETIC TURF FIELDS
ATLANTA, GEORGIA: April 21, 2008 -- Committed to the safety and well-being of the public, the Synthetic Turf Council turned to scientists to evaluate the recent concerns of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) that resulted in their closing of three playing fields over suspected high lead levels.
Dr. David Black (Ph.D. Forensic Toxicology) and Dr. Davis Lee (Ph.D. Synthetic Organic Chemistry) assert that there is no scientific evidence of health risks related to the three older synthetic turf fields in New Jersey, particularly the Ironbound B-Field on St. Charles Ave. in Newark. In addition, the NJDHSS concedes in their report that "available evidence suggests that there are no acute health risks due to use of artificial turf fields, and risks due to chronic and repeated exposure are unlikely."
"We care very much about the community," said Rick Doyle, President of the Synthetic Turf Council. "People deserve to know the science behind the situation, so our association turned to recognized industry experts to assess the issues."
Joint Statement from Dr. Black and Dr. Lee:
"There is no scientific evidence of a health risk for children or adults based on recent test results and current knowledge of the chemical structure of aged synthetic turf products.
Concerns over potential harm related to the three older fields in use in New Jersey have not addressed fundamental questions regarding potential toxicity including route of exposure, dose of any potential chemicals, and how such chemicals may be introduced into the body by being in contact with synthetic turf products (referred to as bioavailability).
Reports of health concerns have not been supported by any laboratory analysis on the products or humans that indicate any risk of harm due to potential exposure to chemicals.
Studies that have been conducted and made available for our review have not documented that aged synthetic turf products may be a source of lead exposure to anyone in contact with the product."
Concerning Absorption of Lead Chromate by the Body (Bioavailability):
Trace amounts of lead exist in everyday products. The key issue is ensuring that quantities of lead that might be harmful to health cannot be absorbed into the body. Used to extend the yarn color lifespan in some synthetic turf products, lead chromate is encapsulated in plastic to prevent any health risks.
The Synthetic Turf Council continues to gather additional scientific and medical data about the issue, sharing that information with the public in press releases and postings on its website, www.syntheticturfcouncil.org .
About Dr. David Black:
Dr. Black, founder and CEO of Aegis Sciences Corporation, earned his undergraduate degree from Loyola College in Baltimore and doctorate degree in Legal Medicine (Forensic Toxicology) from the University of Maryland at Baltimore (1982). Dr. Black is a Diplomat of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (DABFT), Diplomat of the American Board of Clinical Chemistry (DABCC), and is a Certified Professional Chemist by the American Institute of Chemists (CPC/AIC). Dr. Black was Toxicology Department Head and Director of Toxicology for Maryland Medical Laboratory, Inc. from 1982-1986. He joined Vanderbilt University in 1986 as Assistant Professor with appointments on Pathology and Pharmacology. In 1990 Dr. Black founded Aegis Sciences Corporation where he serves as Chairman, President and Laboratory Director.
About Dr. Davis Lee:
Dr. Lee, a principal and senior consultant with InnovaNet, LLC, is currently Executive in Residence at the Georgia Institute of Technology School of Polymer, Textile, and Fiber Engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from Emory University and spent 20 years with E.I. DuPont DeNemours and Co., Inc., as a research and development specialist in fiber, plastics and chemical technologies.
About the Synthetic Turf Council:
Based in Atlanta, the Synthetic Turf Council was founded in 2003 to serve as an objective resource assisting buyers and end users with the selection, use, and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, and landscape applications. The organization actively collects reputable studies and research, as well as official statements by governmental agencies and sports organizations, which address the impact of synthetic turf sports fields. STC members produce and install most of the synthetic turf sports fields in North America. Membership includes builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, installation contractors and other specialty service companies. For more information, visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org .
Media Contacts:
Shira Miller: 678-392-1785
Charles Upchurch: 919-277-1147
# # #
CenturyTel Center in Bossier City to Host af2 Championship Game
ROUND ROCK, Texas-For the second time in the past three seasons, the CenturyTel Center, home to arenafootball2's Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings will host the af2's league championship game. ArenaCup8, presented by Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, will be played on Saturday, Aug. 25 in Bossier City, La.
Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, is proud to announce its involvement as the official playing surface of ArenaCup8. The CenturyTel Center, an SMG managed facility and former host of ArenaCup6 in 2005, is a 270,000 square-foot facility featuring Sportexe synthetic turf systems and accommodates up to 14,000 patrons for a variety of entertainment experiences.
"Sportexe and af2 have enjoyed a special relationship since the league's inception eight years ago," said national football-coaching insider and Sportexe spokesperson Aaron S. Lee. "To see this league grow to 30 teams and continue to offer one of the best professional sporting experiences in the U.S. is a true testament to fine people that represent af2."
Sportexe continues to solidify its status as the top professional indoor synthetic turf provider in North America as the official and exclusive synthetic turf supplier and game system provider for the af2 and its big brother the Arena Football League, as well as the Major Indoor Soccer League and National Lacrosse League. Sportexe synthetic turf system clients also include the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, S.F. 49ers, Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's LSU, Cal, Alabama, Tulane and Southern Miss.
"We're fortunate to be playing our 2007 championship event again on the top-level Sportexe synthetic turf field at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier-Shreveport, La.," af2 President Jerry Kurz said. "I feel confident that the field will be in immaculate shape for our season-ending, showcase event."
This year Sportexe takes its relationship with af2 one step further as it proudly serves as the league's official coach of the year award. Sportexe will recognize the top head coach for the 2007 season at the af2 championship game.
"Sportexe is proud to be underfoot of the league's two best teams at ArenaCup8," said Lee. "And equally excited to acknowledge the league's top coach with the Sportexe af2 Coach of the Year award."
This will be the third straight season the af2 has held a neutral-site ArenaCup championship game and tickets for the 2007 ArenaCup can be purchased by calling 888-277-5526.
ROUND ROCK, Texas. September 21, 2007--The Harpeth Hall School will celebrate its first home soccer game on its new state-of-the-art Sportexe synthetic turf playing field on Wednesday, September 26 in the Dugan Davis Track and Soccer Complex. A special ceremony will be held at 6:45 p.m. on the field, just before the 7 p.m. kickoff.
With the selection of Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, Harpeth Hall is the state's first girls school to install a synthetic playing surface. Additionally, it is the first school – girls, boys or coed – in Tennessee to install a synthetic field specifically for soccer and lacrosse, according to Ronnie Carter, executive director of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association.
Sportexe synthetic turf systems are specifically designed for the unique criteria of each individual sport through the Sportexe Center for Research and Development.
"Athletics, like academics, arts, community service and leadership opportunities, is an integral part of creating a well-rounded student," said Ann Teaff, Head of School. "At Harpeth Hall, we are committed to providing the very best in facilities for our student-athletes."
The new 94,000-square foot Sportexe field was provided in memory of long-time Harpeth Hall teacher and coach, Dugan Davis, by her son Joe C. Davis, a loyal school supporter and sports enthusiast. Dugan Davis was the school's first soccer coach.
"I am delighted that I could continue to honor my mother," said Davis. "Harpeth Hall has a long history of providing an absolutely unparalleled athletic program for girls in this region, and I hope this field will provide lots of benefits for the athletes and the School."
"In discussions about installing a synthetic field for our athletic program and physical education classes, we examined the safety, performance, and durability of this product," added Ms. Teaff.
Sportexe can also be found underfoot of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, Alabama, Southern Mississippi and Pittsburgh. Sportexe is the official turf provider for the Arena Football League, arenafootball2, Major Indoor Soccer League and the National Lacrosse League.
"This field underscores the fact that the Bears are serious about sports," said varsity soccer coach Tiffany Watson. "And we are committed to supporting championship levels of competition, not just in Middle Tennessee, but throughout the state and even the country."
ROUND ROCK, Texas. September 21, 2007--The Harpeth Hall School will celebrate its first home soccer game on its new state-of-the-art Sportexe synthetic turf playing field on Wednesday, September 26 in the Dugan Davis Track and Soccer Complex. A special ceremony will be held at 6:45 p.m. on the field, just before the 7 p.m. kickoff.
With the selection of Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, Harpeth Hall is the state's first girls school to install a synthetic playing surface. Additionally, it is the first school – girls, boys or coed – in Tennessee to install a synthetic field specifically for soccer and lacrosse, according to Ronnie Carter, executive director of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association.
Sportexe synthetic turf systems are specifically designed for the unique criteria of each individual sport through the Sportexe Center for Research and Development.
"Athletics, like academics, arts, community service and leadership opportunities, is an integral part of creating a well-rounded student," said Ann Teaff, Head of School. "At Harpeth Hall, we are committed to providing the very best in facilities for our student-athletes."
The new 94,000-square foot Sportexe field was provided in memory of long-time Harpeth Hall teacher and coach, Dugan Davis, by her son Joe C. Davis, a loyal school supporter and sports enthusiast. Dugan Davis was the school's first soccer coach.
"I am delighted that I could continue to honor my mother," said Davis. "Harpeth Hall has a long history of providing an absolutely unparalleled athletic program for girls in this region, and I hope this field will provide lots of benefits for the athletes and the School."
"In discussions about installing a synthetic field for our athletic program and physical education classes, we examined the safety, performance, and durability of this product," added Ms. Teaff.
Sportexe can also be found underfoot of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, Alabama, Southern Mississippi and Pittsburgh. Sportexe is the official turf provider for the Arena Football League, arenafootball2, Major Indoor Soccer League and the National Lacrosse League.
"This field underscores the fact that the Bears are serious about sports," said varsity soccer coach Tiffany Watson. "And we are committed to supporting championship levels of competition, not just in Middle Tennessee, but throughout the state and even the country."
ROUND ROCK, Texas. September 20, 2007--The Binghamton University women's soccer team opened its new Bearcat Sports Complex in front of a record crowd on Tuesday night. The $4.2 million facility utilizes not one, but two Sportexe synthetic turf fields. Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, is now the official game and practice surface for Binghamton's men's and women's soccer and lacrosse teams.
Sophomore midfielder Chelsea Berry knocked in a rebound from two yards out 41 seconds into the first overtime lifting visiting Syracuse to a 2-1 over Binghamton.
"Syracuse is a very good team ... well-coached and regionally-ranked," Bearcats head coach Jeff Leightman said. "I thought we battled hard and could've had a better result. But tonight was a very good night for our team, with the great atmosphere. The fans were terrific. We have to keep believing and moving forward. Good things are going to happen."
The Bearcat Sports Complex includes a pair of synthetic turf field, one for games and one designed for practices. Field dimensions (125x75) for both installations are identical. Seating capacity at the playing field is 2,534 while the practice field will have seating for 1,000. Both fields have lighting designed for night games and practices. The game field also houses a press box and there also exists a concession building with restrooms between the two fields.
The official dedication for the new complex is on October 6 when Binghamton's men's soccer team hosts Boston University at 7 p.m. – the Bearcats' opening game of the America East Conference schedule.
Binghamton next hosts LIU at 6 p.m. on Saturday
ROUND ROCK, Texas. September 18, 2007--The Edmond Independent School District, located just north of Oklahoma City, operates three four-year high schools: Memorial, North and Santa Fe. The schools, housing more than 20,000 students combined, are accredited by the North Central Association of Secondary Schools and the Oklahoma State Department of Education. A broad curriculum and high scholastic standards are the foundation of the system's strong high school program.
In fact, the Edmond ISD is the highest performing academically in the state and the fourth largest in Oklahoma. So when it came to choosing the best and most technologically advanced turf available for each of its three schools, the Edmond ISD looked no further than Sportexe.
"We researched synthetic turf and synthetic turf companies for more than three years before we made a decision on which system was right for us. We only took bids from the top three synthetic turf companies and Sportexe was clearly the best choice." said Bret Towne, Edmond ISD Associate Superintendent of Operations. "Our Sportexe field was great when it was first installed and it is even better now as our G-Max levels are perfect."
Sportexe synthetic turf systems installed at the three stadiums, hosts more than 75 scheduled games and matches combined. The events include: middle school, ninth grade and junior varsity football, ninth-12th grade boys and girls soccer, along with marching band practice. Not to mention varsity football, which plays home games on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma, uses the Sportexe fields each day during the season for practice as well.
"Sportexe provides a safer playing surface and is more cost effective than natural surfaces," said Towne. "Not to mention, we are involved with 25-30 million in construction each year with our schools and our Sportexe turf installation has been the most positively talked about project in our community."
"The feeling of pride in our community from these fields is amazing," added Mike Nunley, Edmond ISD Director of Athletics. "We now lead the state in facility improvements as we took three already good facilities and turned them into something state of the art."
U.S. Field Hockey Star Added to Sportexe Sales Team
ROUND ROCK, Texas. August 17, 2007--Sportexe®, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, has announced that U.S. field hockey star Keli Smith will serve on staff as its field hockey consultant. Smith, a 2001 graduate of the University of Maryland, was a three time All-American field hockey player and a vital member of the Terrapins 1999 national championship squad.
Upon her departure from the collegiate ranks, Smith immediately became an integral part of the USA women's field hockey team. In 2004, she served as assistant coach at Georgetown University and volunteer coach at American University in 2005. Recently, Keli was a starter for the USA team in the World Cup held in Madrid, Spain and Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro.
"We are very pleased with the addition of Keli Smith to the Sportexe family," said Jay Crider, Director of Eastern U.S. Sales for Sportexe. "Keli is the only individual in the industry with ‘real' experience playing world-class field hockey on synthetic turf. Keli's involvement shows the quality of the Sportexe product and its commitment to the sport of field hockey."
Sportexe has been highly involved in the international field hockey market, and offers multiple state-of-the-art turf systems specifically designed for field hockey. These systems can be found at many of the nation's top NCAA Division I programs, such as the University of Vermont, University of Iowa, Indiana University, Keene State and Providence College. Sportexe is also the featured surface at the Bermuda National Sports Center, home to the 2007 men's Pan Am qualifier and future home to the 2009 women's Pan Am Cup.
Sportexe has partnerships with distinguished field hockey establishments like the International Field Hockey Federation (FIH) and National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA).
"I have been all around the world and played on a variety of synthetic turfs," said Smith. "Yet, Sportexe is – without question – the best product on the market. I am impressed with the Sportexe commitment of insuring quality from start to finish, and I am excited to help continue the Sportexe charge in field hockey."
Sportexe incorporates the finest technology in its industry-leading, high-performance synthetic turf systems. Sportexe turf is a superior surface designed to maximize performance and safety.Sportexe can also be found underfoot of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, Indiana, Alabama, Southern Miss and Pitt. Sportexe is the official turf provider for the Arena Football League, arenafootball2, Major Indoor Soccer League and National Lacrosse League.
Sportexe Synthetic Turf Hosts NFL's Big Hit
ROUND ROCK, Texas. July 31, 2007--Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, joined the likes of New Orleans Saints' quarterback Drew Brees, Baltimore Ravens' linebacker Ray Lewis and a bevy of beautiful supermodels by being showcased on the cover of the latest edition of Sports Illustrated.
The SI cover story written by NFL insider Tim Layden featured the seven biggest hits last season in professional football, three of which took place on Sportexe synthetic turf systems, including the No. 1 overall selection – a vicious collision between Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown and Saints rookie running back – and former Heisman winner – Reggie Bush during an NFC divisional playoff game in the Louisiana Superdome last January.
The hit was so ferocious, even Chicago Bears All-Pro linebacker Brian Urlacher had to stand up and shout after seeing the impact on television, "Those are the ones you dream about!"
THE BIG HIT…Players live for it, fans love it, media celebrate it -- and all bemoan its devastating consequences. The brutal collision of bodies is football's lifeblood, and the NFL's biggest concern
"Sportexe is extremely proud of the fierce competition currently being performed on our synthetic turf fields," said Sportexe spokesperson, Aaron S. Lee. "Perhaps this article shows that the level of competition is picked up a notch on games played on Sportexe turf."
The Ravens earned the No. 3 slot on the SI "Big Hit" countdown with Baltimore linebacker Bart Scott's second-quarter sack of Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Nov. 26. Roethlisberger called the hit the hardest he'd ever taken.
The Saints again made the list earning the final spot at No. 7. San Francisco tailback Frank Gore, the NFC's leading rusher, was left pained and windless after being nailed by Saints cornerback Jason Craft on Dec. 3.
"I'm not going to lie to you, man – it hurt," said Gore.
"It is nice to see that our product being used on a national stage by the some of the top teams in the sports industry, and to be shown on the cover of SI underfoot of Reggie Bush is a treat," Lee added. "Maybe next time Sportexe turf could be featured with Elle MacPherson."
Sportexe can also be found underfoot of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, Alabama, Southern Miss and Pitt. Sportexe is the official turf provider for the AFL, af2, Major Indoor Soccer League and National Lacrosse League.
