((HT: Sportsnet))
There's a new book out on the troubled life of NHL enforcer Derek Boogaard- the HQ encourages picking it up...
The Boogey Man's dad, Len, went on "Prime Time Sports" for the first time to discuss what he thinks happened to his son through the eyes of the National Hockey League...
Bottom line- he thinks his son's problems, mounting as he continued to play, were left and not addressed in a timely fashion...
Brett Popplewell addressed Boogaard's last days in the premier edition of Sportnet Magazine back in 2011.
John Branch wrote in his book on Boogaard as Sportsnet reports:
"Within a year, Derek would have teeth knocked out and be prescribed vast amounts of painkillers by team doctors.In another year, he would be in substance abuse rehabilitation. In another year, he would be in New York, rich and miserable and alone. And in another year, he would be dead."
Boogaard was diagnosed, after his death, with CTE and his father went on to do his own investigation surrounding his son's passing.
Showing posts with label CTE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CTE. Show all posts
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
OTL: Jovan Belcher's Brain Had CTE Traces
((HT: ESPN-OTL/Delsohn))
Steve Delsohn's story on the two years since the death of Kansas City Chief Jovan Belcher, really, is no surprise.
In 2012, Belcher would kill his wife and child in the early morning hours of December 1st. The ensuing investigation after the exhuming of his body yielded the possibility of the Tau protein in his brain that is an indicator of CTE.
The hook from Delsohn:
If it can be shown that Belcher did have CTE, Belcher's daughter and mother, together, would be eligible for up to $4 million under the proposed concussion settlement between the NFL and former players. Furthermore, the lawyers representing Belcher's daughter have filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Chiefs on her behalf. Belcher's mother, with different attorneys, filed an almost identical suit.
Here's discussion of the lawsuit at the time
((HT: KCPT))
Word was that Belcher's mother had the idea that her son's brain should be examined to determine if concussions could have been a cause or "the" cause in the behavior Jovan Belcher exhibited in, eventually, killing Kasandra Perkins and his 3-month-old daughter.
Scott Pioli was the Chiefs GM at the time and was standing in front of Belcher when he committed suicide. He addressed the subject at the Roman Numeral Classic after the year was over.
((HT: Dan Patrick Show))
Steve Delsohn's story on the two years since the death of Kansas City Chief Jovan Belcher, really, is no surprise.
In 2012, Belcher would kill his wife and child in the early morning hours of December 1st. The ensuing investigation after the exhuming of his body yielded the possibility of the Tau protein in his brain that is an indicator of CTE.
The hook from Delsohn:
If it can be shown that Belcher did have CTE, Belcher's daughter and mother, together, would be eligible for up to $4 million under the proposed concussion settlement between the NFL and former players. Furthermore, the lawyers representing Belcher's daughter have filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Chiefs on her behalf. Belcher's mother, with different attorneys, filed an almost identical suit.
Here's discussion of the lawsuit at the time
((HT: KCPT))
Word was that Belcher's mother had the idea that her son's brain should be examined to determine if concussions could have been a cause or "the" cause in the behavior Jovan Belcher exhibited in, eventually, killing Kasandra Perkins and his 3-month-old daughter.
Scott Pioli was the Chiefs GM at the time and was standing in front of Belcher when he committed suicide. He addressed the subject at the Roman Numeral Classic after the year was over.
((HT: Dan Patrick Show))
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Belcher Family Sues Chiefs In Wrongful Death Suit
Read the suit here...
The HQ figured this might happen...
Michael McCann, through his Twitter, maintains the two largest points as we go forward: his mom must prove 1) Chiefs negligent for his brain injury + 2) that injury "caused" his suicide. Both hard to show.
But the suit, in the name of Belcher's mother, maintains that the Chiefs “fostered an environment” where Belcher was "forced" to play through injuries and “become further exposed to neurological harm.” Then Chiefs GM Scott Pioli and others in the organization are accused of telling Belcher he'd be gone if he didn't play.
The family is looking for damages starting at $15,000 plus other relief.
Here's early returns from KCTV
KCTV5
Interesting note out of all this...
Former Chiefs Joe Horn and Tamarick Vanover joined a lawsuit by former Chiefs players against their team on Friday, taking advantage of a Missouri state law saying that employees can circumvent federal guidelines and take an employer to court locally. They maintain their injuries led to brain trauma, including CTE.
The HQ figured this might happen...
Michael McCann, through his Twitter, maintains the two largest points as we go forward: his mom must prove 1) Chiefs negligent for his brain injury + 2) that injury "caused" his suicide. Both hard to show.
But the suit, in the name of Belcher's mother, maintains that the Chiefs “fostered an environment” where Belcher was "forced" to play through injuries and “become further exposed to neurological harm.” Then Chiefs GM Scott Pioli and others in the organization are accused of telling Belcher he'd be gone if he didn't play.
The family is looking for damages starting at $15,000 plus other relief.
Here's early returns from KCTV
KCTV5
Interesting note out of all this...
Former Chiefs Joe Horn and Tamarick Vanover joined a lawsuit by former Chiefs players against their team on Friday, taking advantage of a Missouri state law saying that employees can circumvent federal guidelines and take an employer to court locally. They maintain their injuries led to brain trauma, including CTE.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Belcher Body To Be Exhumed, Brain Examined
((HT: Kansas City Star/Mellinger))
Did Jovan Belcher suffer from CTE...???
That will be the question that will be attempted to be answered after Belcher's body is exhumed from a New York cemetery and his brain examined in, what is thought to be, the first exhumation of an NFL player to determine a possible cause in his physical issues that he had close to his suicide almost a year ago.
Belcher shot his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, December 1, 2012 and then drove to the Chiefs complex where he committed suicide in front of then-GM Scott Pioli...
Here's Pioli discussing Belcher during Super Bowl week...
((HT: Dan Patrick Show))
Belcher was stopped earlier in the morning of the murder-suicideon a traffic stop
Here are police arriving at the scene-moments later, Belcher killed himself...
Belcher's family, simply wants to know and this may help in the process. Perkins' family doesn't think this will solve anything...
Did Jovan Belcher suffer from CTE...???
That will be the question that will be attempted to be answered after Belcher's body is exhumed from a New York cemetery and his brain examined in, what is thought to be, the first exhumation of an NFL player to determine a possible cause in his physical issues that he had close to his suicide almost a year ago.
Belcher shot his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, December 1, 2012 and then drove to the Chiefs complex where he committed suicide in front of then-GM Scott Pioli...
Here's Pioli discussing Belcher during Super Bowl week...
((HT: Dan Patrick Show))
Belcher was stopped earlier in the morning of the murder-suicideon a traffic stop
Here are police arriving at the scene-moments later, Belcher killed himself...
Belcher's family, simply wants to know and this may help in the process. Perkins' family doesn't think this will solve anything...
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Dorsett, Marshall, and Joe D Diagnosed With CTE
((HT: ESPN))
Three more names in the near-year history of the NFL have now been told that they have been diagnosed with the tau protein associated with CTE.
Tony Dorsett, Leonard Marshall, and Joe DeLammielleure have had some of their brain tissue examined at UCLA Medical Center and have now been given the news...
William Weinbaum and Steve Delsohn have traced the new round of diagnoses at ESPN...
Here's the latest...
The NFL has, naturally, declined to comment. The league still says, and even moreso now with the settlement made with players in the concussion lawsuit, that you can't connect football to CTE or any other kind of brain damage...
Of course, they have...
Adam Benigni caught up with Joe D...
((HT: WGRZ-TV Buffalo))
Three more names in the near-year history of the NFL have now been told that they have been diagnosed with the tau protein associated with CTE.
Tony Dorsett, Leonard Marshall, and Joe DeLammielleure have had some of their brain tissue examined at UCLA Medical Center and have now been given the news...
William Weinbaum and Steve Delsohn have traced the new round of diagnoses at ESPN...
Here's the latest...
The NFL has, naturally, declined to comment. The league still says, and even moreso now with the settlement made with players in the concussion lawsuit, that you can't connect football to CTE or any other kind of brain damage...
Of course, they have...
Adam Benigni caught up with Joe D...
((HT: WGRZ-TV Buffalo))
Friday, September 20, 2013
Concussion Settlement May Not Have Enough Money, Older Players Excluded...???
((HT: ESPN/Fainaru-Fainaru Wada))
Now, if this don't beat all... and it's not a shock if it turns out to be true...
But the Shield is buckling down in the settlement where:
1) Some of the earliest diagnoses would be disqualified and those families would not get any of the $765-million pot. Names like Mike Webster and Justin Strelczyk would fall into this category...
2) Some lawyers representing players are getting paid directly from the player's settlement money. This flies in the face of the initial notion that the fund would not be used for legal fees. This lends itself to the idea that some lawyers would get multiple paydays.
3)Is there, simply, enough money to go around if individual awards would be capped at $5 million for players suffering from ALS, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease, $4-million for deaths from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and $3 million for players suffering from dementia.
And we're talking hundreds of plaintiffs...
Some lawyers interviewed by Fainaru and Fainaru-Wada say yes. Some say no.
Steve Fainaru discusses...
The whole article is a must read and no one should be surprised...
Now, if this don't beat all... and it's not a shock if it turns out to be true...
But the Shield is buckling down in the settlement where:
1) Some of the earliest diagnoses would be disqualified and those families would not get any of the $765-million pot. Names like Mike Webster and Justin Strelczyk would fall into this category...
2) Some lawyers representing players are getting paid directly from the player's settlement money. This flies in the face of the initial notion that the fund would not be used for legal fees. This lends itself to the idea that some lawyers would get multiple paydays.
3)Is there, simply, enough money to go around if individual awards would be capped at $5 million for players suffering from ALS, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease, $4-million for deaths from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and $3 million for players suffering from dementia.
And we're talking hundreds of plaintiffs...
Some lawyers interviewed by Fainaru and Fainaru-Wada say yes. Some say no.
Steve Fainaru discusses...
The whole article is a must read and no one should be surprised...
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Finnerty Autopsy Reveals CTE
((HT: WOOD-TV Grand Rapids))
Autopsy results for former Grand Valley State University quarterback Cullen Finnerty revealed that he died of pneumonia, complicated by oxycodone toxicity, and CTE. Finnerty, a champion QB for the Lakers in Division II, was found May 28th- two days after he had been dropped off by his in-laws to go fishing.
His last contact with his family was late in the evening of the 26th when he called his wife and told her he was feeling "nervous, afraid and might have been experiencing some paranoia."
Finnerty's brain had been examined by the doctors at Boston University's CTE institute where they found he had Stage II/IV CTE.
Stage II sufferers are likely to experience headaches, depression, explosivity and short-term memory loss while Stage IV are likely to experience dementia, difficulty finding words and aggression.
The oxycodone was prescribed for back injuries Finnerty most likely received during his football career
According to Dr. Stephen Cohle's report, Finnerty "likely suffered anxiety, disorientation and paranoia from being alone in the woods while he waited for his family to pick him up after his solo fishing trip. The medical examiner believes he then became incapacitated and inhaled vomit, which caused pneumonia."
Grand Valley State released the following statement:
"Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family of Cullen Finnerty.
Only one time during his collegiate play at Grand Valley did Cullen suffer a concussion which was determined to be mild. He was removed from the game shortly after halftime and did not play again that day. He was thoroughly checked by doctors and later cleared for play in a subsequent game."
Here's noontime coverage from WZZM-TV
Autopsy results for former Grand Valley State University quarterback Cullen Finnerty revealed that he died of pneumonia, complicated by oxycodone toxicity, and CTE. Finnerty, a champion QB for the Lakers in Division II, was found May 28th- two days after he had been dropped off by his in-laws to go fishing.
His last contact with his family was late in the evening of the 26th when he called his wife and told her he was feeling "nervous, afraid and might have been experiencing some paranoia."
Finnerty's brain had been examined by the doctors at Boston University's CTE institute where they found he had Stage II/IV CTE.
Stage II sufferers are likely to experience headaches, depression, explosivity and short-term memory loss while Stage IV are likely to experience dementia, difficulty finding words and aggression.
The oxycodone was prescribed for back injuries Finnerty most likely received during his football career
According to Dr. Stephen Cohle's report, Finnerty "likely suffered anxiety, disorientation and paranoia from being alone in the woods while he waited for his family to pick him up after his solo fishing trip. The medical examiner believes he then became incapacitated and inhaled vomit, which caused pneumonia."
Grand Valley State released the following statement:
"Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family of Cullen Finnerty.
Only one time during his collegiate play at Grand Valley did Cullen suffer a concussion which was determined to be mild. He was removed from the game shortly after halftime and did not play again that day. He was thoroughly checked by doctors and later cleared for play in a subsequent game."
Here's noontime coverage from WZZM-TV
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Bengals Owner Won't Link Concussions To Dementia
((HT: cincinnati.com/Joe Reedy))
Mike Brown was part of the Cincinnati Bengals kick-off luncheon today... and he went off the rails a bit in his own thoughts linking (or not) concussions and dementia...
Reedy was there and this was part of the discussion:
“No one really knows what concussions mean, especially as you grow older. It’s not only not proven, it’s merely speculation that this is something that creates some form of dementia late in life. Our statistics — the ones I’ve seen anyway — don’t show that.
“I’m not convinced that anybody really knows what concussions bring, what they mean later in life if anything.”
Well, okay...
The HQ would submit evidence like the following...
((HT: ESPN/OTL))
And this from a physician in Detroit...
((HT: partha nandi))
The NFL is currently in mediation over the concussion lawsuit in Pennsylvania being heard by District Judge Anita Brody. Two weeks ago, according to Reedy, the Bengals were on the short side of a judgment put forth by former tight end Ben Utecht in an injury grievance...
Full disclosure: The HQ is active in the Kevin Turner Foundation and Team Gleason where football players are suffering from ALS after their time in pro football.
Mike Brown was part of the Cincinnati Bengals kick-off luncheon today... and he went off the rails a bit in his own thoughts linking (or not) concussions and dementia...
Reedy was there and this was part of the discussion:
“No one really knows what concussions mean, especially as you grow older. It’s not only not proven, it’s merely speculation that this is something that creates some form of dementia late in life. Our statistics — the ones I’ve seen anyway — don’t show that.
“I’m not convinced that anybody really knows what concussions bring, what they mean later in life if anything.”
Well, okay...
The HQ would submit evidence like the following...
((HT: ESPN/OTL))
And this from a physician in Detroit...
((HT: partha nandi))
The NFL is currently in mediation over the concussion lawsuit in Pennsylvania being heard by District Judge Anita Brody. Two weeks ago, according to Reedy, the Bengals were on the short side of a judgment put forth by former tight end Ben Utecht in an injury grievance...
Full disclosure: The HQ is active in the Kevin Turner Foundation and Team Gleason where football players are suffering from ALS after their time in pro football.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Boogaard Family Sues NHL For Wrongful Death
((HT: NY Times/Branch))
Derek Boogaard spent his career as an NHL enforcer and was very good at his gig... too good until injuries sidelined him while he was under contract to the New York Rangers.
He was found dead last May after an accidental overdose of painkillers and alcohol. Now, his family is suing the NHL saying that the league is responsible for all the trauma his body suffered during his career.
Boogaard was, posthumously, diagnosed with CTE and the family attorney maintains that Boogaard was given medication to treat his pain, got him addicted, and didn't treat him.
The family maintains that the league violated their own protocol and continually gave Boogaard painkillers, through injection and pill form, and then had to send him to rehab for an addiction.
Once again from Branch where the 55-page lawsuit:
"...states that the N.H.L. “breached its duty” to Boogaard by, among other things, failing to monitor his prescriptions or establish proper procedures for administering and tracking them. It alleges that the substance-abuse program knew that Boogaard violated its rules many times — including a series of failed drug tests in his final months and his admission that he sometimes bought painkillers illegally — yet never disciplined or suspended him, as program rules dictate."
The Boogaards were interviewed by the New York Times about Derek's job and its dangers...
The family filed the lawsuit to beat the statute of limitations in two states- Illinois and New York...
Derek Boogaard spent his career as an NHL enforcer and was very good at his gig... too good until injuries sidelined him while he was under contract to the New York Rangers.
He was found dead last May after an accidental overdose of painkillers and alcohol. Now, his family is suing the NHL saying that the league is responsible for all the trauma his body suffered during his career.
Boogaard was, posthumously, diagnosed with CTE and the family attorney maintains that Boogaard was given medication to treat his pain, got him addicted, and didn't treat him.
The family maintains that the league violated their own protocol and continually gave Boogaard painkillers, through injection and pill form, and then had to send him to rehab for an addiction.
Once again from Branch where the 55-page lawsuit:
"...states that the N.H.L. “breached its duty” to Boogaard by, among other things, failing to monitor his prescriptions or establish proper procedures for administering and tracking them. It alleges that the substance-abuse program knew that Boogaard violated its rules many times — including a series of failed drug tests in his final months and his admission that he sometimes bought painkillers illegally — yet never disciplined or suspended him, as program rules dictate."
The Boogaards were interviewed by the New York Times about Derek's job and its dangers...
The family filed the lawsuit to beat the statute of limitations in two states- Illinois and New York...
Monday, February 18, 2013
OSG High: Texas Bill To Limit Full-Contact Practice
((HT: ETFinalScore))
The HQ is well aware of what concussions and helmet-to-helmet contact have done to football players these days...
All you have to do is look...
On one side, you have OJ Brigance and Steve Gleason who are dealing with ALS and, on the other, there are all the deaths of football players who have been diagnosed with CTE.
One Texas state legislator is looking at the collision sport and trying to trim the number of contact practices even further...
Brownsville rep Eddie Lucio is putting a bill to the floor in the state house in Austin to restrict full contact practices to one per week.
“If you don’t allow (a) muscle or bone to heal, it’s going to break,” he told Ben Kamisar of the Austin Statesman. “The same thing is relative to the brain. It can only heal itself at a certain rate, and any additional hits could cause more damage.”
Coaches gave Kamisar alternating opinions:
"I’ve always felt like good coaching prevents those things,” Austin-Cedar Park (TX) head coach Joe Willis said. “…If you have one day (of full-contact practice), and you go out there with bad technique on that one day, you might get a concussion anyway.”
Lake Travis High School head coach Hank Carter said that his team already doesn’t tackle players to the ground during regular season practice to limit injuries.
The HQ will be interested to see where this goes...
Here's some analysis on the early changes in the UIL during last football season...
The HQ is well aware of what concussions and helmet-to-helmet contact have done to football players these days...
All you have to do is look...
On one side, you have OJ Brigance and Steve Gleason who are dealing with ALS and, on the other, there are all the deaths of football players who have been diagnosed with CTE.
One Texas state legislator is looking at the collision sport and trying to trim the number of contact practices even further...
Brownsville rep Eddie Lucio is putting a bill to the floor in the state house in Austin to restrict full contact practices to one per week.
“If you don’t allow (a) muscle or bone to heal, it’s going to break,” he told Ben Kamisar of the Austin Statesman. “The same thing is relative to the brain. It can only heal itself at a certain rate, and any additional hits could cause more damage.”
Coaches gave Kamisar alternating opinions:
"I’ve always felt like good coaching prevents those things,” Austin-Cedar Park (TX) head coach Joe Willis said. “…If you have one day (of full-contact practice), and you go out there with bad technique on that one day, you might get a concussion anyway.”
Lake Travis High School head coach Hank Carter said that his team already doesn’t tackle players to the ground during regular season practice to limit injuries.
The HQ will be interested to see where this goes...
Here's some analysis on the early changes in the UIL during last football season...
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Seau Family Sues NFL
And the HQ figured this was only a matter of time...
The Seau family is suing the NFL in a wrongful death claim as they feel the league's ignoring player's conditions has contributed to their early deaths- as a result of the increased rates of CTE diagnosed in former players...
"We were saddened to learn that Junior, a loving father and teammate, suffered from CTE," the family said in a statement. "While Junior always expected to have aches and pains from his playing days, none of us ever fathomed that he would suffer a debilitating brain disease that would cause him to leave us too soon.
"We know this lawsuit will not bring back Junior. But it will send a message that the NFL needs to care for its former players, acknowledge its decades of deception on the issue of head injuries and player safety, and make the game safer for future generations."
Brian McCarthy, spokesman for the National Football League, told NFL.com, "Our attorneys will review it (the lawsuit) and respond to the claims appropriately through the court."
The Seau family is also putting the helmet-maker, Riddell, in the suit claiming that the helmets they constructed were flawed in their design and still went onto the market.
Here's the report from ABC News that revealed the CTE diagnosis in the Seau suicide...
The Seau family is suing the NFL in a wrongful death claim as they feel the league's ignoring player's conditions has contributed to their early deaths- as a result of the increased rates of CTE diagnosed in former players...
"We were saddened to learn that Junior, a loving father and teammate, suffered from CTE," the family said in a statement. "While Junior always expected to have aches and pains from his playing days, none of us ever fathomed that he would suffer a debilitating brain disease that would cause him to leave us too soon.
"We know this lawsuit will not bring back Junior. But it will send a message that the NFL needs to care for its former players, acknowledge its decades of deception on the issue of head injuries and player safety, and make the game safer for future generations."
Brian McCarthy, spokesman for the National Football League, told NFL.com, "Our attorneys will review it (the lawsuit) and respond to the claims appropriately through the court."
The Seau family is also putting the helmet-maker, Riddell, in the suit claiming that the helmets they constructed were flawed in their design and still went onto the market.
Here's the report from ABC News that revealed the CTE diagnosis in the Seau suicide...
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Analysis: CTE Contributes To Seau Death
((HT: ABC News))
The Seau family donated the brain of former NFL star Junior Seau to the National Institutes of Health for analysis as to a possible cause for his downward spiral and eventual suicide.
The brain, analyzed as an anonymous individual, was found to have CTE in its make-up. More than two dozen players have been diagnosed in recent time with CTE and there are multiple lawsuits that have been filed on behalf of thousands of players who are blaming their health issues from a lack of response and/or care by the National Football League...
Here's the ABC News investigation...
The Shield issued the following statement as a result of the examination and its conclusions:
"We appreciate the Seau family's cooperation with the National Institutes of Health. The finding underscores the recognized need for additional research to accelerate a fuller understanding of CTE. The NFL, both directly and in partnership with the NIH, Centers for Disease Control and other leading organizations, is committed to supporting a wide range of independent medical and scientific research that will both address CTE and promote the long-term health and safety of athletes at all levels. The NFL clubs have already committed a $30 million research grant to the NIH, and we look forward to making decisions soon with the NFL Players Association on the investment of $100 million for medical research that is committed in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. We have work to do, and we're doing it."
The HQ looks at lines two and three for its real examination by the National Football League: "recognized the need for additional research..."
Translation: "Slow your roll, folks... we are..."
More when we know more...
The Seau family donated the brain of former NFL star Junior Seau to the National Institutes of Health for analysis as to a possible cause for his downward spiral and eventual suicide.
The brain, analyzed as an anonymous individual, was found to have CTE in its make-up. More than two dozen players have been diagnosed in recent time with CTE and there are multiple lawsuits that have been filed on behalf of thousands of players who are blaming their health issues from a lack of response and/or care by the National Football League...
Here's the ABC News investigation...
The Shield issued the following statement as a result of the examination and its conclusions:
"We appreciate the Seau family's cooperation with the National Institutes of Health. The finding underscores the recognized need for additional research to accelerate a fuller understanding of CTE. The NFL, both directly and in partnership with the NIH, Centers for Disease Control and other leading organizations, is committed to supporting a wide range of independent medical and scientific research that will both address CTE and promote the long-term health and safety of athletes at all levels. The NFL clubs have already committed a $30 million research grant to the NIH, and we look forward to making decisions soon with the NFL Players Association on the investment of $100 million for medical research that is committed in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. We have work to do, and we're doing it."
The HQ looks at lines two and three for its real examination by the National Football League: "recognized the need for additional research..."
Translation: "Slow your roll, folks... we are..."
More when we know more...
Thursday, June 7, 2012
80 Concussion Suits Linked Together Against NFL
((HT: ESPN))
It's now called a "master complaint..."
Eighty separate lawsuits against the NFL claiming the league hid information pairing football-related head trauma to permanent brain injuries was put forth in Philadelphia.
"The NFL, like the sport of boxing, was aware of the health risks associated with repetitive blows producing sub-concussive and concussive results and the fact that some members of the NFL player population were at significant risk of developing long-term brain damage and cognitive decline as a result," the complaint charges.
"Despite its knowledge and controlling role in governing player conduct on and off the field, the NFL turned a blind eye to the risk and failed to warn and/or impose safety regulations governing this well-recognized health and safety problem."
Here's John Buccigross with the details...
Former Atlanta Falcons safety Ray Easterling's wife, Mary Ann, is one of the suit's plaintiffs along with the likes of Jim McMahon and the family of Dave Duerson.
Word has circulated around ex-NFL'ers that free phone consultations regarding California Workman’s Comp with a representative who specializes in California workers comp cases for former NFL players and free phone consultations regarding joining the Concussion Lawsuit with a lawyer involved in the case are available if claims haven't been filed.
Also, the Boston University researchers who are chasing Chronic Encephalopathy (CTE) are asking NFL'ers to participate in Stage 1 of a research project.
From the e-mail:
DETECT (Diagnosis and Evaluation of Traumatic Encephalopathy with Clinical
Tests): This study is the first research project on CTE to be funded by the
National Institutes of Health (NIH), with support from the National Institute of
Neurologic Diseases and Stroke (NINDS), the National Institute on Aging (NIA),
and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).
The ultimate goal of this study is to develop methods of diagnosing CTE during
life through the use of a variety of tests, including MRI scans (such as
diffusion tensor imaging), MRS scans (also known as a “virtual biopsy”), blood
tests, and measures of proteins in spinal fluid. Participants will also undergo
neurological, psychiatric, and cognitive assessments, as well as genetic
testing. The study will include 150 former NFL players (ages 40-69) and 50
same-age “control” athletes who played non-contact sports.
More when we know more...
It's now called a "master complaint..."
Eighty separate lawsuits against the NFL claiming the league hid information pairing football-related head trauma to permanent brain injuries was put forth in Philadelphia.
"The NFL, like the sport of boxing, was aware of the health risks associated with repetitive blows producing sub-concussive and concussive results and the fact that some members of the NFL player population were at significant risk of developing long-term brain damage and cognitive decline as a result," the complaint charges.
"Despite its knowledge and controlling role in governing player conduct on and off the field, the NFL turned a blind eye to the risk and failed to warn and/or impose safety regulations governing this well-recognized health and safety problem."
Here's John Buccigross with the details...
Former Atlanta Falcons safety Ray Easterling's wife, Mary Ann, is one of the suit's plaintiffs along with the likes of Jim McMahon and the family of Dave Duerson.
Word has circulated around ex-NFL'ers that free phone consultations regarding California Workman’s Comp with a representative who specializes in California workers comp cases for former NFL players and free phone consultations regarding joining the Concussion Lawsuit with a lawyer involved in the case are available if claims haven't been filed.
Also, the Boston University researchers who are chasing Chronic Encephalopathy (CTE) are asking NFL'ers to participate in Stage 1 of a research project.
From the e-mail:
DETECT (Diagnosis and Evaluation of Traumatic Encephalopathy with Clinical
Tests): This study is the first research project on CTE to be funded by the
National Institutes of Health (NIH), with support from the National Institute of
Neurologic Diseases and Stroke (NINDS), the National Institute on Aging (NIA),
and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).
The ultimate goal of this study is to develop methods of diagnosing CTE during
life through the use of a variety of tests, including MRI scans (such as
diffusion tensor imaging), MRS scans (also known as a “virtual biopsy”), blood
tests, and measures of proteins in spinal fluid. Participants will also undergo
neurological, psychiatric, and cognitive assessments, as well as genetic
testing. The study will include 150 former NFL players (ages 40-69) and 50
same-age “control” athletes who played non-contact sports.
More when we know more...
Thursday, May 3, 2012
BREAKING: Coroner Rules Seau Death A Suicide
The North County Times newspaper is also saying that The San Diego Medical Examiner's office was awaiting a decision from Seau's family on whether independent researchers will study his brain for repetitive injuries following the completion of the autopsy.
Officials could not determine Seau's exact time of death, but did say his passing was from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest...
Seau's family and religious leaders were expected to hold an evening prayer vigil in front of his beachfront home in Oceanside, California.
If the family gave permission, look for the Boston University brain trauma center to get in on the case to determine if Seau's brain had indications of CTE.
Here's coverage from our friends at NBCSanDiego
Officials could not determine Seau's exact time of death, but did say his passing was from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest...
Seau's family and religious leaders were expected to hold an evening prayer vigil in front of his beachfront home in Oceanside, California.
If the family gave permission, look for the Boston University brain trauma center to get in on the case to determine if Seau's brain had indications of CTE.
Here's coverage from our friends at NBCSanDiego
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Falcons Easterling Committed Suicide
((HT: NFL Network))
Richmond, Virginia police captain Yvonne Crowder tells FoxSports.com's AJ Perez that the death of former Atlanta Falcon is being ruled a suicide.
The 62-year-old former defensive back was found by his wife, Mary Ann, in his bedroom Thursday with a handgun nearby. Easterling was one of the more than a thousand names as party in the lawsuit against the National Football League over head injuries sustained when the now-retired athletes performed in a different era when it came to care and treatment of concussions and other brain trauma.
“He had been feeling more and more pain,” Mary Ann Easterling told Perez. “He felt like his brain was falling off. He was losing control. He couldn’t remember things from five minutes ago. It was frightening, especially somebody who had all the plays memorized as a player when he stepped on the field.”
Easterling had been diagnosed with dementia in March of 2011, but had suffered with bouts of depression and insomnia- symptoms associated with repeated and undiagnosed/underdiagnosed head trauma.
It will be interesting to see if the Easterling family donates his body to the Boston University researchers digging into the effects of CTE. Such a diagnosis would echo the recent BU examinations of former NFL'ers Dave Duerson and Terry Long.
The HQ wouldn't be surprised if there were, at least, traces in their examinations...
But that just us and our dime store logic...
Here's what the Grits Blitz was all about...
Richmond, Virginia police captain Yvonne Crowder tells FoxSports.com's AJ Perez that the death of former Atlanta Falcon is being ruled a suicide.
The 62-year-old former defensive back was found by his wife, Mary Ann, in his bedroom Thursday with a handgun nearby. Easterling was one of the more than a thousand names as party in the lawsuit against the National Football League over head injuries sustained when the now-retired athletes performed in a different era when it came to care and treatment of concussions and other brain trauma.
“He had been feeling more and more pain,” Mary Ann Easterling told Perez. “He felt like his brain was falling off. He was losing control. He couldn’t remember things from five minutes ago. It was frightening, especially somebody who had all the plays memorized as a player when he stepped on the field.”
Easterling had been diagnosed with dementia in March of 2011, but had suffered with bouts of depression and insomnia- symptoms associated with repeated and undiagnosed/underdiagnosed head trauma.
It will be interesting to see if the Easterling family donates his body to the Boston University researchers digging into the effects of CTE. Such a diagnosis would echo the recent BU examinations of former NFL'ers Dave Duerson and Terry Long.
The HQ wouldn't be surprised if there were, at least, traces in their examinations...
But that just us and our dime store logic...
Here's what the Grits Blitz was all about...
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Duerson Family Suing NFL
((HT: WLS-TV))
Former NFL defensive back Dave Duerson made a point to shoot himself in the stomach when he committed suicide. It was his wish that, from there, his family would donate his brain to science to determine whether or not he was suffering from CTE at the time he killed himself.
The Duerson family has now filed a wrongful death suit against the NFL for not informing him or his family that he should be treated for his injuries.
Here's the latest out of Chicago...
Helmet manufacturer Riddell is also part of the suit...
The HQ is fairly certain that Duerson and the other 11 players that have gathered for their suit against the NFL will not be the last to do so.
Former NFL defensive back Dave Duerson made a point to shoot himself in the stomach when he committed suicide. It was his wish that, from there, his family would donate his brain to science to determine whether or not he was suffering from CTE at the time he killed himself.
The Duerson family has now filed a wrongful death suit against the NFL for not informing him or his family that he should be treated for his injuries.
Here's the latest out of Chicago...
Helmet manufacturer Riddell is also part of the suit...
The HQ is fairly certain that Duerson and the other 11 players that have gathered for their suit against the NFL will not be the last to do so.
Monday, December 5, 2011
DEVELOPING: Boogaard Diagnosed With CTE
Derek Boogaard was diagnosed with CTE by Boston University researchers at the school's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.
The disease has been diagnosed in the brains of more than 20 former football players, but can be diagnosed only after an individual dies.
The researchers who examined Boogaard’s brain said the case was particularly
sobering because Boogaard was only 28 at the time of his death.
“To see this amount? That’s a ‘wow’ moment,” said Ann McKee, a neuropathologist and a co-director of the center.
CTE has been found in the brains of all four former NHL'ers examined at Boston University- Bob Probert, Reggie Fleming, and Rick Martin.
Here's a story KARE-11's Eric Perkins gathered so others could remember Boogaard just after his passing...
More when we know more...
The disease has been diagnosed in the brains of more than 20 former football players, but can be diagnosed only after an individual dies.
The researchers who examined Boogaard’s brain said the case was particularly
sobering because Boogaard was only 28 at the time of his death.
“To see this amount? That’s a ‘wow’ moment,” said Ann McKee, a neuropathologist and a co-director of the center.
CTE has been found in the brains of all four former NHL'ers examined at Boston University- Bob Probert, Reggie Fleming, and Rick Martin.
Here's a story KARE-11's Eric Perkins gathered so others could remember Boogaard just after his passing...
More when we know more...
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Rick Martin Diagnosed With CTE
This is a first and a cause of concern...
Former Buffalo Sabres winger Rick Martin has been diagnosed with CTE- the first case of a hockey player that was a skill position player that has been given that condition. The other two brains diagnosed by the Boston University brain bank chasing the cause of CTE, those of Reggie Fleming and Bob Probert, were primarily known as enforcers.
Martin's only known concussion was in 1977 and he is listed as having Stage 2 with Stage 4 being the most serious diagnosis.
The Martin family isn't commenting on the diagnosis, but wanted the results made public for education purposes.
Here's the Sabres Hall of Fame ceremony of Martin, Rene Robert, and Gilbert Perreault from 1996...
((HT: Empire Sports Network/NHL/youtube))
Martin died of a heart attack behind the wheel of his car in suburban Buffalo back in March at the age of 59.
Former Buffalo Sabres winger Rick Martin has been diagnosed with CTE- the first case of a hockey player that was a skill position player that has been given that condition. The other two brains diagnosed by the Boston University brain bank chasing the cause of CTE, those of Reggie Fleming and Bob Probert, were primarily known as enforcers.
Martin's only known concussion was in 1977 and he is listed as having Stage 2 with Stage 4 being the most serious diagnosis.
The Martin family isn't commenting on the diagnosis, but wanted the results made public for education purposes.
Here's the Sabres Hall of Fame ceremony of Martin, Rene Robert, and Gilbert Perreault from 1996...
((HT: Empire Sports Network/NHL/youtube))
Martin died of a heart attack behind the wheel of his car in suburban Buffalo back in March at the age of 59.
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