For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Jonathan Godfrey

(202) 226-6888

April 9, 2008

Melanie Roussell

(202) 226-5543

Congressional Report Identifies Serious Health Concerns
Not Addressed by NFL and Players Union

House Judiciary Committee to Hold Further Hearings;
Examine Possible Legislative Remedy

(Washington, DC)- 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, and also released the responses to questions posed by the Committee to the NFL and NFLPA.

Initiated by a bipartisan request, the CRS report examined the types and severity of health problems suffered by current and former National Football League (NFL) players focusing on the disability benefit programs and the health and safety initiatives of the NFL and NFL Players Association (NFLPA).

“I commend the NFL and NFLPA for having taken some affirmative steps since our last hearing, but in my view they still fall short of the goal line,” said Conyers. “This report identifies major concerns about the long-term health of NFL players that demand further attention. The Committee intends to hold hearings and explore possible legislation to address this matter.”

“This report clearly demonstrates that the NFL and NFLPA need to make serious efforts to collect data on player injuries and eliminate the conflict of interest by team doctors who place the financial interests of their teams ahead of players' health. The NFL cannot expect to simultaneously be team owner and referee,” said Sánchez. “After further reviewing the proposals suggested by CRS, I plan to work with my colleagues on legislation addressing several of the issues raised in the report.”

The report concluded that:

• The injury rate for NFL players was nearly eight times higher than that of any other commercial sports league, including hockey and auto racing.1
• Neither the NFL nor the NFLPA maintain data on the number or percentage of players who retire because of injury.2
• Former players find access to health benefits very difficult.3
• The current system is subject to a variety of conflicts of interest which appear to be detrimental to players -- Medical care provided by the team for its players raises serious conflict of interest concerns as a team physician must balance the players’ health concerns with those of the coaches and owners who expect players to play injured.4
• The NFLPA has very limited authority and capabilities regarding health and safety issues, devoting only a part-time advisor to attend to these matters.5

The Committee requested the CRS report and documents in response to the testimony at the Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee’s June 26, 2007 hearing, “The National Football League’s System for Compensating Retired Players: An Uneven Playing Field?” In that hearing, former players Mike Ditka, Harry Carson, Curt Marsh, and Brent Boyd detailed injuries sustained during their playing days that continue to hamper them today. They also recounted the complex process that deters many former players from receiving disability benefits.

The full text of the CRS Report may be found here. The Committee has posted on its website the full text of the NFL and NFLPA responses to the Committee’s questions as well as supplemental documents from the NFL and the NFLPA.

1. “Reportedly, the 2003 NFL injury rate was nearly eight times higher than that of any other commercial sports league, according to the U.S. Department of Labor — and that includes the National Hockey League, the National Basketball Association, and professional auto racing.” CRS Report p. 8; Carl Prine, “Bloody Sundays,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Jan. 9, 2005, available at [http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/
specialreports/specialnfl/s_291033.html].

2. “Comprehensive data about the health of former players apparently are not collected and maintained, either by the NFLPA or the NFL, or by a third party. Neither the players association nor the league collects data on number or percentage of players who retire because of an injury or injuries.” CRS Report p. 4.

3. “Overall, from July 1, 1993, through June 26, 2007, 1,052 individuals applied for LOD [Line-of-Duty] or T&P [Total and Permanent] disability benefits: 428 applications were approved; 576 were denied; and 48 are pending. The approval rate, which does not include the cases that are pending, is 42%.” CRS Report p. 82.

4. CRS Report p. 115. The NFL has also consistently selected individuals and organizations that are affiliated, either directly or indirectly, with the NFL to conduct research on subjects and issues related to player health. CRS Report p. 123.

5. “The extent of the NFLPA’s authority and capabilities regarding health and safety issues, and its position on such issues are, at times, unclear. For example, the NFL has a number of committees that deal with injuries, safety, and health. Apparently, the NFLPA does not have any similar committees or entities, although, along with the NFL, it is part of the joint committee on player safety and welfare. The NFLPA has a medical advisor; but, apparently, this is not a full-time position.” CRS Report pp. 111-112.

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The following is DIGNITY AFTER FOOTBALL'S official response to this Congressional Report:

Response from Dignity After Football:

April 9, 2008

• We are grateful to Congressman Conyers and Congresswoman Sanchez for requesting the study released today, and we are very pleased that the Congressional Research Service has followed through with such an extensive and thorough review of the issues relating to retired NFL players.

• Today’s report validates every criticism we have raised about this system, and underscores the urgent need for reform. 

• Congress has clearly heard the testimony of numerous retired players, and now the non-partisan, highly-respected Congressional Research Service has exposed the flaws and echoed our concerns.

• We are pleased that Congressman Conyers and Congresswoman Sanchez plan to introduce legislation to fix the NFL’s retirement system.  We look forward to helping them and urge other members of Congress to join them. 

• Some key conclusions of the report are (the following list is taken from the House Judiciary Committee’s press elease):

• The injury rate for NFL players was nearly eight times higher than that of any other commercial sports league, including hockey and auto racing.1
• Neither the NFL nor the NFLPA maintain data on the number or percentage of players who retire because of injury.2
• Former players find access to health benefits very difficult.3
• The current system is subject to a variety of conflicts of interest which appear to be detrimental to players -- Medical care provided by the team for its players raises serious conflict of interest concerns as a team physician must balance the players’ health concerns with those of the coaches and owners who expect players to play injured.4
• The NFLPA has very limited authority and capabilities regarding health and safety issues, devoting only a part-time advisor to attend to these matters

 DAF wishes to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of so many, it is dangerous to start naming names...Bernie, Mercury Morris, Sam Huff, Jim Green, Joe D; to name but a few.

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STAY UNITED, WE'VE GOT 'EM BEAT!

SOME THANKS TO SOME WHO HAVE BEEN

FIGHTING AND HELPING FOR A LONG TIME

Special Thanks to Bernie Parrish, who made

the June hearing possible and has worked tirelessly.

Look for his and Herb Adderly's lawsuit in Sept.

I can't think of another man who has done more for our cause then Bernie

please go to our links page and contribute to

www.playersforjustice.org

Thank You to the Great Sam Huff

Thank You to the Senate Leader!

Senate Leader Harry Reid for all his help, in middle,Col. Jack Kelly USMC Ret, Boyd, Bob Schmidt

who has also gone above and beyond the call of duty,

and Jim Green, who has also worked hard for our goals.

More Bob Scmidt, seen here in USA TODAY acting as guardian for the legendary Willie Wood. Bob is founder of the Vince Lombardi Foundation, and was a founder of C-SPAN.

Bob Schmidt has a heart of gold and has helped our cause immensely.

SPECIALThanks to Eugene Mercury Morris

NO ONE has studied harder or knows our issues better

than this distinguished man

Thank you for your diligence, Eugene!

Thanks to Bruce Laird (left) seen here with Boyd. Thanks to Fourth and Goal,

and all the Baltimote Colts alumni family and community who have been leaders in this movement for years.

we can't say enough about Bruce and the Baltimore alums

please visit  http://www.fourthandgoalunites.com/

Thank You to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund.

www.gridirongreats.org

GGAF has become our most visible group and is involved in giving help to dire needs players, as opposed to DAF just trying in pur small way to get the latest news and issues out and lobbying politically.

We at DAF  are the little brother/sister of our dear friends at GGAF

www.gridirongreats.org

Thanks from everyone to Abner Hayes steady voice

and giving others a voice.

Abner, the 1960 AFL MVP, has been even more valuable

in the past year or two keeping all involved and informed

with the Heroes of Texas!

more Gridiron Greats; Boyd chats with Charles Chandler of Charlotte Observer

an  hour before testifying June 26, 2007.

GGAF held the press conference in the distinguished National Press Club in DC.Karen Slomba and Jennifer Smith have become like family to many of us.

All of us were fighting on same page that day, united for same victory,

all egos were left at the door. All summer.

That's why we have made so much progress.

The highlight was Mrs. Sandy Unitas speech about everbody's hero, Johhny Unitas, and his bitter fight for benefits from NFL, which he never got.

(GGAF contact info seen in photo)

Thank you to Marvin Cobb

Thank You to Mike Ditka and Harry Carson

(Boyd on left, June 26 2007 House Judicary hearings)

Thanks to Harry Carson for sacrificing his Hall of Fame spotlight time to bring reality to our plight.

Thank you Harry Carson!

Mike Ditka- we would be nowhere without his outspoken leadership

Thank You, Coach!

Thank You to Joe and Gerri D

Joe has been our leading spokesman, when it comes to talking from the heart

and caring about all of us he need not worry about.

You're my hero, Joe!

Thank You Kenny Easley

(see players page for Kenny's bio and letter to you)

CO-FOUNDER AND BOARD MEMBER OF DAF

Thank You Big Ed  White

CO-FOUNDER AND BOARD MEMBER OF DAF

(see Players page for Ed's bio - his letter is on it's way)

Thank You Delvin Williams

Thank You Dave and Heidi Pear

 please visit www.davepear.com

Thank You Steve Wilson

Tony Davis & family

CO-FOUNDER AND BOARD MEMBER OF DAF

This man has helped our cause, In Wash DC and otherwise, more than any non-player. He is one of our highest decrated combat Marines, and only he can bring comparisons of our plight to the current tragedies returning from Iraq. Col. Kelly is the best friend you haven't met yet, but it will cost you a cold Coors Light to meet him.

We are fortunate to have such a man of Honor on our side....

Jon Arnett

stole the DAF March Madness pool

see above for his website

Thank You Jerry Sherk (72)

Thank You Leroy Kelly

Thank You Sen Reid, Chair Conyers, Chair Sanchez, Sen. Dorgan,

and all those hard-working aides..

I wish America could see how hard these Congresssional aides work,

a lot of cynicism would disappear about DC

Brent Boyd #62

(just proving I was once young)

SPECIAL THANKS TO KYLE TURLEY

We love Wayne Hawkins, special thanks to wife

Sharon Hawkins

see "Family" page for pics of Sharon Hawkins, an amazing woman

I wish you all could also meet

Thank You Jim Marshall

Jim Marshall has been a vital supporter of DAF

Thank You Terry Lowey, MFT, who is here

to offer professional counseling to wives and ex-players through

Dignity After Football .

THIS is a REAL hero!if you need help, whether player or wife,

email Brent Boyd for Terry's access

bboyd62@aol.com

Thank You MARK GRACE

Thank You Jeff Nixon

Thank You Rick Sutcliffe

Thank You Don Macek

Thank You Lucious Smith

Thank You Valerie Thomas.

former longtime NFLPA employee,

we consider a great friend of DAF

YOUR PICTURE BELONGS HERE

EMAIL PIC TO bboyd62@aol.com today!

Stay UNITED,  we are SO close to winning!

(And that includes BETTER Pensions)