A large group consisting of approximately 4.200 players filed a case accusing the league of concealing information about the risk of playing after a concussion. Some of them suffer illnesses and other brain problems while others simply want to receive proper medical attention and make sure they’re fine.
According to a complaint filed last year, the players accuse the NFL of “intentional tortuous misconduct, including fraud, intentional misrepresentation, and negligence” and claim the league was aware of the risks but deliberately ignored the data and concealed the information.
A considerable number of former players, including Ray Easterling and 12-time Pro Bowler Junior Seau, committed suicide after years dealing with health and mental issues. Recent studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that Seau suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition also found in other deceased former NFL players.
As of December 2012, a total of thirty-three former NFL players were diagnosed post-mortem with CTE. The list includes former Detroit Lions lineman and eight-time Pro Bowler Lou Creekmur, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Tom McHale, former Chicago Bears safety Dave Duerson, Miami Dolphins linebacker John Grimsley, former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry, former Buffalo Bills star running back Cookie Gilchrist and Wally Hilgenberg.
The NFL denies any fraud or negligence and insists that player safety is a top priority for the league. The arguments were presented this Tuesday morning to U.S. District Judge Anita Brody, who heard close to one hour of oral arguments and announced that she will rule “When I sort this whole thing out for myself."
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