Posted on 02/03/2007 7:04:45 AM PST by mcg2000
Former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson, who is now dealing with memory loss and depression related to repeated concussions during his 10-year NFL career, said that Patriots Coach Bill Belichick encouraged him to engage in full-scale practice while recovering from a concussion, against the advice of the Patriots' trainer. Johnson, who retired on the eve of 2005 training camp, told the Boston Globe that he began having serious memory problems when he sustained two concussions in four days in August, 2002. The first was in an exhibition against the Giants, the second after colliding with a teammate in practice.
Johnson told the Globe that trainer Jim Whalen had told him to refrain from contact at that practice, so Johnson donned a red jersey, signifying that. But later, before a nine-on-seven drill, an assistant trainer handed Johnson a blue jersey — signifying full contact.
"I looked at the trainer and said, 'Who told you to give me this?' '' Johnson told the Globe. "He just walked away. He didn't want to say. But I knew who it was. It was Bill (Belichick). I was so mad, I wanted to scream. But I put the thing on anyway. I had my pride. They weren't going to beat me."
Instead, Johnson sustained another concussion at that practice. Despite his sacrifice, when the Patriots were getting ready for their regular season opener several weeks later, Johnson surmised that he was not going to be included on the 45-man game day roster. He left the team only to return after Belichick refused to release him.
When Johnson and Belichick sat down in September 2002 to try to repair their strained relationship, Johnson told the Globe he told Belichick, "You played God with my health. You knew I shouldn't have been cleared to play."
Belichick told the Globe he didn't realize at the time that Johnson was hesitant about participating in the full-contact drill.
"If Ted felt so strongly that he didn't feel he was ready to practice with us, he should have told me," Belichick said.
At that September 2002 meeting, Johnson said Belichick admitted that he had screwed up by subjecting him to a full-contact drill.
"It was a real kind of admittance, but it was only him and I in the room," Johnson told the New York Times. "There's something wrong with me. There's something wrong with my brain. And I know when it started."
According to the Globe, the Patriots did not allow Whalen, who is still their head trainer, to be interviewed.
Johnson's current neurologist, Dr. Robert Cantu, said that Johnson shows signs of early Alzheimer's disease and that his current problems — depression, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, irritability, memory loss, poor concentration, ringing in the ears and acute sensitivity to noise — are related to the numerous concussions he has had. Cantu told the New York Times that these are "rather classic post-concussion symptoms. ... They are most likely permanent."
Johnson told the Globe he thought he had at least six concussions in his last three Patriots seasons, but reported only one because he didn't want to underscore his reputation as an injury-prone player. He said that the recent suicide of former NFL defensive back Andre Waters, who also suffered from multiple concussions and depression, caused him to finally speak out.
"Looking back, it was stupid not to tell anyone," Johnson said. "But I didn't know then that every time you have a concussion, you are four to six times more susceptible the next time. I had no idea the damage I was causing myself."
It's all about winning and money. The player's health takes a back seat to both.
Dreadful individual...
Before you form the lynch mob for Belichick, please keep the following in mind: Ted Johnson is in the middle of an ugly divorce that includes alegations of abuse. If Johnson felt this strongly about what happened, I think he would have said something about well before now. He also would have gone directly to certain sportswriters in Boston versus guys in NY. It's just my opinion, but something about this does not pass the smell test.
And don't use the word "lynch" ... what are you, crazy? ;)
I don't doubt that the man is sick. His symptoms, unfortunately, aren't uncommon in former NFL players. Johnson played at a high level, in a high impact position, for a number of years. The NFLPA has addressed his condition as a result of inferior helmets, not a cruel coach. What I am questioning is Johnson's blaming someone other than himself. Yes, he did talk to some of the Boston writers, but none of those writers (including some who dislike Belichick as much as you) picked up the story until the NYT ran it. Ted Johnson is sick as a result of close to 20 years in a high impact sport, but to blame it on his coach for the final few years of his career doesn't make sense.
It might be reasonable for players to be able to consult with medical "experts" of their own choice,at the league's/team's expense in addition to team doctors and trainers and if such an expert deems a particular player unfit for a particular game or activity the team can either abide by that advice or cut the player.
But there will be no discussion of the anabolic steroids, human growth hormone and other performance enhancing drugs that this guy willingly put into his body, significantly jeopardizing his short-term and long-term health....as does pretty much everyone in the NFL. This guy's liver and heart probably function less efficiently than his brain does after the concussions. "but, but, the NFL tests for this stuff, and............" Yeah.
Well if he should get fired will you please send him to Dallas super bowl next year Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!old times again.
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