NFL Players, Mike Ditka and Gridiron Greats to Address Player Disability on Tuesday
This Will Be First Time Current NFL Players Have Organized to Take Action
The yet-to-be disclosed initiative was created by an unnamed active, nine-year-veteran of the NFL. The press conference is said to be the first time that an organized group NFL players have spoken out about the issue of the NFLPA's poor disability and benefits program. The issue has been in the news from time-to-time, but the players' plan to address it has now apparently risen to a new level.
The NFL players, Ditka and other Gridiron Greats will also address some of the NFLPA disability system's policies and practices that are currently being investigated by the U.S. House Judicial Committee.
According to the Gridiron Greats website, the NFLPA has embarked on a public relations campaign to discredit the disability claims made by some disabled NFL players. The NFLPA is said to have also initiated a public campaign on the web to take issue with or dispute the claims of many injured former players. Reportedly, many disabled players have actually been targeted by the NFLPA's so-called "Truth Squad" in this public campaign, which outlines why these players, who are disabled or otherwise impaired as a result of their NFL injuries, should not receive disability.
The Gridiron Greats website says that the NFLPA has also created a public document called "The White Pages," in which it details certain former NFL players' claims and why they were denied. However, many of the players named in "The White Pages" say certain critical facts in their cases were purposely left out. Lanny Davis, an attorney who was special counsel to President Clinton during the Lewinsky scandal, has been hired by the NFLPA to help with media coverage.
In response to the NFLPA's "Truth Squad" and "The White Pages," Ditka said: "These are deplorable tactics by the NFLPA. The players union publicly discrediting disabled and mentally impaired players through this "Truth Squad" is despicable. They don't know the meaning of the word (truth). They should focus their attention on fixing a pathetic disability program. Gene Upshaw and the NFLPA should be ashamed..."
The names of the NFL players who will participate in the press conference with Ditka and members of the Gridiron Greats have not yet been announced.
Sources:
Press release, "NFL Current Players and Mike Ditka to Hold Press Conference;" http://www.prweb.com/releases/NFL_gridiron_greats/Mike_Ditka/prweb571185.htm
Gridiron Greats; http://www.gridirongreats.org/index.html
Published by Sussy
I'm retired and living in the country where I enjoy my family and my many animals: horses, donkey, goats, cats, and dogs. I love the outdoors and reading and writing about serious matters. View profile
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14 Comments
Post a CommentDika has no idea what he is talking about and a complet ass.He souls not be aloowed in the stadium because he treats people horribly.Keep listening to Jen and you will be in the same boat a last time with thebcahrity.We have many name that will not give again.Call any ony you want,[punk bitch,ditka.Mike I was not trying to attack anything I just want you to kow what I was doing.Call the main office and the will tell you.
Good job reporting.
Good reporting. Excellent article.
Total coincidence: Tonight I'm reading a book by (ghostwritten for) Ditka teammate Gale Sayers, one of the best runners ever but was cut short by knee injuries. He made $25,000 per year. Nowadays a guy who does nothing but hike to the punter makes $400,000. Ditka asked the 32 team owners for a modest (pocket change by NFL standards) $100,000 apiece. Few responded. He said one sent $10,000 and another $5,000, which he sent back as insults. In this and other scenarios, it's always been a wonderment why so many of the "haves" (not all, of course) seem so selfish. Maybe that's how they became "haves." -- Mike
Another great news report!
Also, advertisement for myself: "Football is Boring" written September 10. And a book on football violence: "Out of My League" by Dave Meggysey, former pro player.
Hi Sussy. You are reporting on a story that most sportswriters ignore because they are fans more than reporters. Upon reading your info, I Googled "Ron Mix football injuries." He is one of the all-time best offensive tackles (San Diego Charters) and after he retired during the 1970s, he started to explore the health impacts. He has determined that the average life expectancy of a pro player is 55, or 20 less than normal. I can't verify this. However, the second item that appeared on Google is excellent for anyone who wishes to explore. nflretirees.blogspot.com/2006_04_01_archive.html
It will be interesting to see how this pans out. I see correlations in the argument that this is a job that risks injury with these football players and some veterans. (Long story.) Thanks for sharing the info. Well written piece.
Very interesting. A sports doctor we know told us quite bluntly that many high school and college football players suffer brain injury from playing football from the force of impact, even with helmets and padding.
That is the reality. Parents of high schoolers need to know this. If a football player still loves the sport and makes an informed decision to take the risk, that is a personal choice but I think the risk should be acknowledged. Race car drivers, boxers and others also know they are taking risks but follow their passion.
Good reporting.