diff --git a/libraries/avatars/src/HeadData.cpp b/libraries/avatars/src/HeadData.cpp
index f863d6b592..62e8276bd3 100644
--- a/libraries/avatars/src/HeadData.cpp
+++ b/libraries/avatars/src/HeadData.cpp
@@ -45,10 +45,3 @@ void HeadData::addLean(float sideways, float forwards) {
     _leanForward  += forwards;
 }
 
-bool HeadData::findSpherePenetration(const glm::vec3& penetratorCenter, float penetratorRadius, glm::vec3& penetration) const {
-    // we would like to update this to determine collisions/penetrations with the Avatar's head sphere...
-    // but right now it does not appear as if the HeadData has a position and radius.
-    // this is a placeholder for now.
-    return false;
-}
-
diff --git a/libraries/avatars/src/HeadData.h b/libraries/avatars/src/HeadData.h
index fde684bbf1..0f096059c0 100644
--- a/libraries/avatars/src/HeadData.h
+++ b/libraries/avatars/src/HeadData.h
@@ -58,13 +58,6 @@ public:
     void setLookAtPosition(const glm::vec3& lookAtPosition) { _lookAtPosition = lookAtPosition; }
     
     friend class AvatarData;
-
-    /// Checks for penetration between the described sphere and the hand.
-    /// \param penetratorCenter the center of the penetration test sphere
-    /// \param penetratorRadius the radius of the penetration test sphere
-    /// \param penetration[out] the vector in which to store the penetration
-    /// \return whether or not the sphere penetrated
-    bool findSpherePenetration(const glm::vec3& penetratorCenter, float penetratorRadius, glm::vec3& penetration) const;
     
 protected:
     float _yaw;