On one hand, if the NFL at some point knew or should have known about the long-term consequences of concussions and failed to share the information with the players or to take steps aimed at protecting players, the league faces liability to former players who truly are suffering those long-term consequences, either via the court system or the procedures set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. On the other hand, to the extent that former players are jumping on the barristers’ bandwagon and crying “me, too” when they have no real injuries, then they’re no different than any of the many folks who abuse the legal process for personal gain.
At this point, it’s impossible to determine the valid claims from the bogus. Either way, the lawsuits are pouring into the clerk’s office, with another one filed Friday containing the names of some recognizable talent from yesteryear.
Per the Associated Press, the latest civil complaint names among roughly 70 new plaintiffs former Dolphins defensive end A.J. Duhe, former Cowboys receiver Golden Richards (pictured), former Seahawks running back Curt Warner, and former Redskins kicker Chip Lohmiller.
Most of the cases have been consolidated in federal court in Philadelphia. The NFL has argued that the claims should be resolved via the CBA’s arbitration protocol, which would allow the NFL to avoid a jury of average citizens who could be influenced more by sympathy for the former players than the precise application of the rule of law.