Recent headlines have highlighted a number of lawsuits being filed against the National Football League (NFL), alleging that the professional sports league knew that head trauma resulting from hits in the game could result in permanent brain injury – and hid that information from its players. The latest headline announced that these lawsuits have been consolidated into a “master complaint” in a Philadelphia federal court last week.
The consolidated lawsuit is a compilation of 81 separate previously filed suits. These suits represent over 2,000 players, many who are suffering from neurological conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Documents filed with the court accuse the NFL of negligence and intentional misconduct – notably in response to players’ complaints of dizziness, headaches and dementia.
According to the complaint, the NFL knew that repetitive blows to the head could lead to long-term brain damage, and “[d]espite its knowledge and controlling role in governing player conduct on and off the field, the NFL turned a blind eye to the risk and failed to warn and/or impost safety regulations governing this well-recognized health and safety problem.”
Following the announcement of the consolidated complaint, the NFL issued a statement noting that player safety is and continues to be a priority for the league. According to the Associated Press, the NFL provides a number of medical benefits to former players, including the 88 Plan, which funds treatments for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.
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