Yet another lawsuit has been filed on behalf of multiple former players seeking compensation for concussions. News of the new action comes on the eve of a case-management conference in Philadelphia, during which Judge Anita Brody is expected to set various timetables and guidelines for the litigation of many of the pending claims.
The newest claim includes two former No. 1 overall picks of the Cleveland Browns: Tim Couch (pictured) and Courtney Brown.
Other plaintiffs include recognizable names like Fred Taylor, Kevin Bentley, Ladell Betts, Gilbert Brown, Ken Dilger, Olandis Gary, Nick Greisen, Willie Middlebrooks, Will Poole, Ike Reese, Joel Smeenge, John Welbourn, Roy L. Williams (the man after whom the horse-collar rule was named), Marcel Shipp, Adewale Ogunleye, and Charlie Frye.
The 126-page complaint focuses on the NFL’s formation in 1994 of a committee that purported to research the long-term effects of head injuries and concussions, and “to ameliorate the occurrence/severity of head injuries/concussions during game and practice play in an effort to educate and protect NFL players.” The complain alleges that the NFL negligently created and administered the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committee, and that the MTBI Committee was simply a device for claiming that there were no risks associated with concussions.
The complaint, filed in federal court in Philadelphia by the Podhurst Orseck firm in Miami, also asserts a class action that seeks “medical monitoring” of players who suffered concussions but who possibly may not currently be experiencing health consequences.