“What law stipulates the NFL or the team is required to provide long-term care, when language doesn’t exist in the contract? Apparently none.”
Workers Comp law, the same one that covers you at work. In Florida its chapter 440. Heck I own the company and had an incredibly difficult time not having to pay for myself. The only people exempt are officers of the company and only if they file the proper paperwork.
If the law stipulates it, then what is the issue?
Well then.. What has to be determined is whether workers comp laws apply to pro sports. If they do, then there’s no argument. But, since players go from team to team, which team owns the responsibility for the post-career medical coverage?