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ARLINGTON – As one of 4,500 former players involved in lawsuits against the NFL for concussion-related problems and other ailments stemming from their playing careers, Hall of Fame offensive tackle Rayfield Wright hailed news Thursday that a proposed $765 million settlement had been reached.
A federal judge in Philadelphia announced the settlement would be used for concussion-related compensation and funding for medical exams and research, according to the Associated Press.
“It’s a start to what probably is going to take place even more so in the future,” Wright told the Express-News. “Players in the past had no idea what affects concussions and other injuries would have on them after they played. There are a lot of media and fans who have no idea what happens to professional football players after their careers have ended.”
Other Cowboys listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Tony Dorsett, John Fitzgerald, Walt Garrison, Chuck Howley, Ralph Neely, Lee Roy Jordan, Bob Lilly, Preston Pearson, Charlie Waters and Randy White. Dorsett, Lilly and White are also Hall of Famers.
The former players say problems from the injuries they sustained during their careers linger long after they retired. The lawsuits accuse the NFL of hiding known risks of concussions for decades to hurry players back into action and to protect the league’s image.
The NFL has denied any wrongdoing, insisting player safety has always been one of its top priorities.
Wright said he’s been plagued by memory loss, headaches and lack of sleep since his 13-year career ended after the 1979 season. A six-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro, Wright played in five Super Bowls, winning two.
“Back in those days, they would just say, ‘Your bell was rung,’ ” Wright said. “I played 60 plays per game and we played 16 games a season. I played for 13 years, so you can do the math and see how much contact I had in the regular season. And that doesn’t include training camp, the preseason and the playoffs.
“This is a serious issue that is being dealt with. The amount of dollars they are talking about is just a start.
Wright said he’s glad to see that “players are more aware of these issues and are being protected in certain ways with new equipment and technology.” But he also hopes the league will do more to make the game safer and let players of all ages know what risks are involved.
“Football is a great game and certainly entertaining to people, but I think the younger players need to know what is involved with playing the game,” he said.
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A federal judge in Philadelphia announced the settlement would be used for concussion-related compensation and funding for medical exams and research, according to the Associated Press.
“It’s a start to what probably is going to take place even more so in the future,” Wright told the Express-News. “Players in the past had no idea what affects concussions and other injuries would have on them after they played. There are a lot of media and fans who have no idea what happens to professional football players after their careers have ended.”
Other Cowboys listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Tony Dorsett, John Fitzgerald, Walt Garrison, Chuck Howley, Ralph Neely, Lee Roy Jordan, Bob Lilly, Preston Pearson, Charlie Waters and Randy White. Dorsett, Lilly and White are also Hall of Famers.
The former players say problems from the injuries they sustained during their careers linger long after they retired. The lawsuits accuse the NFL of hiding known risks of concussions for decades to hurry players back into action and to protect the league’s image.
The NFL has denied any wrongdoing, insisting player safety has always been one of its top priorities.
Wright said he’s been plagued by memory loss, headaches and lack of sleep since his 13-year career ended after the 1979 season. A six-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro, Wright played in five Super Bowls, winning two.
“Back in those days, they would just say, ‘Your bell was rung,’ ” Wright said. “I played 60 plays per game and we played 16 games a season. I played for 13 years, so you can do the math and see how much contact I had in the regular season. And that doesn’t include training camp, the preseason and the playoffs.
“This is a serious issue that is being dealt with. The amount of dollars they are talking about is just a start.
Wright said he’s glad to see that “players are more aware of these issues and are being protected in certain ways with new equipment and technology.” But he also hopes the league will do more to make the game safer and let players of all ages know what risks are involved.
“Football is a great game and certainly entertaining to people, but I think the younger players need to know what is involved with playing the game,” he said.
Continue reading...