Congressional Report Identifies Serious Health Concerns
Not Addressed by NFL and Players Union
MIKE DITKA AND THE GRIDIRON GREATS
ENCOURAGED BY NEWS OF FURTHER HEARINGS & POTENTIAL LEGISLATIVE REMEDY
Mike Ditka Gale Sayers Garrett Webster
House Judiciary Committee Press Release read now
Last summer members of the Gridiron Greats, including Mike Ditka and Gale Sayers, testified before the United States Congress. Joining them were several retired players who have needlessly suffered due to inadequate disability and other medical benefits provided by the NFLPA and NFL. Brent Boyd and Garrett Webster (son of the late Pittsburgh Steeler Mike Webster) were among those who testified. more about the Mike Webster case
Hundreds of former NFL players continue to suffer from debilitating football related injuries and receive no disability or medical support from the NFLPA or NFL. The lack of benefits and the difficulty in obtaining them has resulted in many former players and their families finding themselves in devastating situations. Many find themselves without food, shelter and with no access to medical care or medications. read players stories
House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee Chairwoman Linda Sánchez (D-CA) today announced the release of a 144-page report from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) recommending legislation to address the health problems faced by professional football players; they also released the responses to questions posed by the Committee to the NFL and NFLPA. The House Judiciary Committee announced that it will hold further hearings and examine possible legislative remedy.
"Mike Ditka and the Gridiron Greats organization wish to thank House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee Chairwoman Linda Sánchez (D-CA) for taking steps to explore the situation that has resulted in so much devastation for former NFL players and their families," said Jennifer Smith Executive Director of the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund. “On behalf of the many retired players that the Gridiron Greats organization provides financial aid and social services to and who are suffering debilitating injuries and hardships as a result of playing in the NFL, The Gridiron Greats organization expresses our gratitude to the committee."
"This is good news," said Mike Ditka, a Board Member of the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund. "This is making people aware of the issues that many retired players are faced with. The news provides hope to those players who have felt alone in trying to gain help. The Gridiron Greats remains committed to raising awareness and helping retired players who are in dire need. Our organization looks forward working with the committee in any way possible."
