Former players file explosive concussion lawsuit against NFL

Yahoo Sports ^ | Wed Jul 20 | Chris Chase

[Mr. Mojo]

On the day that the NFL may get itself out of one court room, the league learned it may be forced to enter another.

Seventy-five former NFL players filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court this week, alleging that the league has covered up the harmful effects of concussions since the 1920s. Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mark Duper and former New York Giants running backs Otis Anderson and Rodney Hampton were among the litigants in the potentially explosive suit.

TMZ was the first to obtain a copy of the lawsuit. They write: The suit claims the NFL commissioned a study in 1994, titled "NFL Committee on MIld Traumatic Brain Injury" and published a report in 2004, concluding there was "no evidence of worsening injury or chronic cumulative effects" from multiple concussions.

And, the suit alleges, it was not until June, 2010, that the NFL acknowledged concussions can lead to dementia, memory loss, CTE and related symptoms. All of the players are claim they suffered injuries as a result of multiple concussions.

It's too early to tell whether this will be a blip in the NFL's legal history or signal the start of a monumental shift in the game. If the lawsuit gains any traction, it could very well be the latter.

[ken5050]

The next NFL contracts might have disclousures and release waivers..it's possible..

OTOH, it is also true that going back 30-40 years..we really didn't understand the danger of concussions.."Getting your bell run" and then going right back in the game..showed how tough you were...and don't forget..many can rememebr when during summer practices..coaches NFL, College, and HS wouldn't allow the players to drink water...now, they FORCE them to drink..Bear Bryant, when he coached Texas A&M..was famous for NO WATER...it's amazing that more didn't die of dehydration/oberheating

[CharlyFord]

Does this mean that Cassius Clay can sue the World Professional Boxing Federation??

[SoldierDad]

Amazing! These people, more often than not, were responsible for the collisions which caused their concussions, and, were being paid enough money to buy their own health care to address these injuries. Now, they want other people to pay for their self-abusive activities. Wow!

[thatjoeguy]

Pretty soon its gonna be flag football.