On May 20, an AP syndicated article discussed how “a group of retired NFL players filed a lawsuit claiming the league, thirsty for profits, illegally supplied them with risky narcotics and other painkillers that numbed their injuries for games and led to medical complications down the road. The complaint named eight players, including three members of the Super Bowl champion 1985 Chicago Bears: defensive lineman Richard Dent, offensive lineman Keith Van Horne, and quarterback Jim McMahon. Lawyers will seek class-action status, and they say in the filing that more than 400 other former players have signed on to the lawsuit.”
If the players accusations are true, then it is sad that the multi-billion dollar NFL placed winning and profits above the health of the players. It is equally as disturbing that the “cover up” will not deter football fans for cheering on the local favorites, even if it means winning at all costs. What has happened is a modern version of the Romans persecuting Christians.
In 1970, Dave Meggysey wrote, Out of Their League, a book about the brutality, racism, drug use, violence, and dehumanization of players in college football and the NFL. If the players, media, coaches, and officials would have read Meggysey’s book and understood his message, this lawsuit may never have happened. That is the real travesty.