NFL: Lingering injuries lead former stars to support players

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23918_5700764,00.html

By Lynn DeBruin, Rocky Mountain News
September 17, 2007
They played a violent game, most before million-dollar signing bonuses became commonplace and when missing time because of injury wasn't a consideration.

Some caught passes from Johnny Unitas and Joe Namath. Others never gained fame yet still came away with arthritic joints, mangled fingers or brain injuries that impair their day-to-day living.

Today, nearly three months after pleading their case to the House of Representatives, retired NFL players intent on boosting disability benefits will be headed back to Congress.

"There should be something done, but it's a shame we have to get the Senate involved and Congress involved," Broncos Ring of Fame member Floyd Little said of the contentious dispute that gained momentum when Hall of Famer Mike Ditka went public before Super Bowl XLI with his Gridiron Greats assistance trust fund. "We need to take care of our own."

Until the gap is bridged, it has come to this.

Some players contend the league, which generates an estimated $7 billion in annual revenue, has neglected their health problems. On the flip side, league officials say they continue to improve benefits and point to July's announcement of a $7 million fund to help retired players pay for joint-replacement surgeries.

FULL story at link.

[uberblonde]

1. How about the brain injuries?

How about the players who have Alzheimer's from all the concussions? The NFL paid for their own study to cover it up.