The Battle over NFL Concussions Will Be Fought in Philadelphia

The fate of the NFL’s concussion problem is in the hands of a Philadelphia judge. Yesterday in federal court, lawyers representing 4,200 former NFL players (about 1/3 of all retired footballers) made their case in federal court to judge Anita Brody that they should be able to sue the league for brain injuries sustained on the playing field. By glorifying violence, encouraging injured players to ignore injuries, and suppressing medical evidence, they argue, the NFL should be held liable for what has become a disturbing pattern of brain injuries. The NFL argues that the risk for such injuries are essentially written into their contracts, and that they knew what they were getting into. Brody has a month to decide how and if the suits can go forward.

A number of former Eagles appeared in court, including Dorsey Levens, Bill Bergey, and Kevin Turner, who is currently suffering from ALS, or Lou Gherig’s Disease. Representing the NFL is Paul Clement, who apparently isn’t a big fan of healthcare: He was the guy arguing against Obamacare in front of the Supreme Court last spring. [PBJ]