Recall: ASICS TIGER Recall of Wrestling Ear Guards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 24, 2001 Release # 01-133

ASICS Recall Hotline: (888) 380-8222 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058

CPSC, ASICS TIGER Corp. Announce Recall of Wrestling Ear Guards

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), ASICS TIGER Corp., of Irvine, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 60,000 ear guards used in wrestling. The plastic protective shell of these guards can break when it is hit against a hard surface, resulting in impact injuries to the wrestler's head.

ASICS TIGER Corp. has received 10 reports of the plastic shells of these guards breaking, resulting in three injuries. The injuries reported include cuts and abrasions to the side of the head and ear.

The recall involves ASIC Gel Wrestling Ear Guard with Neoprene. The guard includes two plastic ear pieces covered with neoprene nylon. The ASICS red logo is on a label on the guard's strap. A gold label inside the guard reads, "MADE IN CHINA." A date code can be found written on the neoprene nylon underneath the outer rim of the ear piece. The recalled guards have date codes beginning with "98" or "99." The guards are white, red, purple, black, navy blue, royal blue, green or gold.

Sports specialty and team sport stores, and team sport catalogs sold these guards nationwide from June 1998 through March 2001 for about $25.

Consumers should stop using these ear guards immediately, and return them to the store where purchased or to the firm for a free replacement. For more information, call ASICS TIGER Corp. at (888) 380-8222 anytime, or go to the firm's web site at www.asicstiger.com.