The group of former players involved include: Richard Bishop, Ethan Johnson, Chris Dugan, Anthony Grant, Mark Green, LaCurtis Jones, John Huddleston, Erik Affholter, Toddrick McIntosh, Dwight Wheeler, Jackie Wallace, Moses Moreno, Peter Manning and Bruce Clark. Former star quarterback of the Miami Dolphins and Hall of Famer Dan Marion was also listed as a plaintiff in the case, but has since withdrawn from it. He has said he didn’t know his name would be made public and that he, “Authorized a claim to be filed on my behalf just in case I needed future medical coverage to protect me and my family in the event I later suffered from the effects of head trauma.” It has been reported by the Sun Sentinel that Marino only suffered two concussion over his 17-year career and has expressed his sympathy for other players involved in the suit.
This is just one of many lawsuits of its type that has been filled against the NFL in recent memory. In 2013, the NFL agreed to pay $765 million in a settlement with former players over concussion-related injuries. There are reports that more than 300 cases of a similar nature have been filed against the National Football League on the behalf of retired players and their families. They aren’t limited to just concussions though, they include spinal injuries, mood instabilities, and debilitating injuries to the lower body (such as legs, knees, hips, & feet).
Though the league’s commissioner, Roger Goddell, has taken major steps aimed at improving player safety, such as enforcing stiff penalties against illegal tackles, many say there is still work to be done. I believe the league should institute a program aimed at educating players on the long-term effects playing football can have on one’s health, starting with high school players. At the end of the day, football is a contact sport, and there are going to risks involved with playing. Perhaps if our young men are better educated to these risks, they would be able to make well-informed decisions about their football careers and overall well-being.
CNN.com, the Sun Sentinel, NFL.com, and latimes.com were used as sources.