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DIGNITY AFTER FOOTBALL - THE LATEST NEWS AND COMMENTARY
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DIGNITY AFTER FOOTBALL - THE LATEST NEWS AND COMMENTARY
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Dec. 21, 2009
N.F.L. Acknowledges Long-Term Concussion Effects!
However, NFL geniuses still debating whether up is down or down is up
from Brent Boyd- " This is one small step for fans, one giant leap for NFL Retirees"
click here for report from NEW YORK TIMES' Alan Schwarz
Dec. 16, 2009
Brent Boyd writes op-ed for today's Washington Post
Boyd, permanently disabled by NFL concussions, was the first to bring issue of effect on the living retirees,
not post-mortem, of NFL concussions to the attention of Congress -
-first to compare our fight to the battle vs powerful unscrupulous tobacco co.'s in Senate and House testimonies 2007-
Today's Wash Post topic-
"
BRIAN WESTBROOK, is it worth it? With two concussions already this season, should the Eagles running back be considering retirement instead of this Sunday's game?
click below for link to Boyd's Post article responding to the questin above----
>>Today's Washington Post article right here<<
Dec.4, 2009
NEW YORK TIMES' ALAN SCHWARZ REPORTS ON YOUTH FOOTBALL CONCUSSIONS
"N.F.L. Culture May Be Difficult to Disengage at Lower Levels"
Dec. 3,2009
ESPN reports on NFL Concussions
2 videos, click on each---
"NFL Issues New Concussion Policy "
"Countdown Daily Injury Update: Concussion Discussion"
Nov. 30, 2009
ABC'S NIGHTLINE COVERS HORRORS OF NFL CONCUSSIONS
Thanks to my Facebook friends for sending me this important video-please watch this vital segment of ABS'S NIGHTLINE recently, which covers the horrors of NFL concussions and the lives ruined by these injuries.
Force the NFL to go back and give disability benefits and dignity to the heroes who built the NFL!
This segment features the Steeler's legend Mike Webster and his son, my hero, Garrett, describing his dad's last years.
Post-concussion is MY disability, and many of my symptoms mirrored Webster's.
I was once in the same reclusive, self-destructive lifestyle as Webster, due to the shame of concussions,
the pain and loss of memory and the financial losses. Garrett's words woke me up,
along with Andre Water's suicide, and got me out of years of hiding.
I began what is now years of fighting the NFL, mainly on this subject.
That is one of the main reasons why Dignity After Football.org was formed
and why we were the FIRST to bring this issue of NFL concussions to Congress June 2007
when I compared the NFL to the tobacco companies fighting like hell to deny any link between smoking and cancer-
proudly, that analogy is being used prominently today.
and also we helped make this a topic the media needed to cover- guys are committing suicide, living homeless, losing marriages and kids, etc---while the NFL billionaires, just like the tobacco co's of yesteryear- use their treasure to deny and link or liability.
Yes, this is personal, but their are too many other men, the heroes who made today's NFL possible, being swept under the rug and they don't have a clue what's wrong with them.
Stay united, stay with the first and original "independent" retired players group- Dignity After Football- and let's make the NFL pay their liabilities just as the rest of society must.
Thanks, Brent Boyd
CLICK BELOW TO WATCH NIGHTLINE'S SEGMENT ON NFLCONCUSSIONS- OCT 16, 2009
Nov. 19, 2009
click this picture for info on how you can join the class action lawsuit, retired players vs NFL-
DON'T MISS OUT THIS TIME!
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From Brent Boyd- facing the NFL gallows (AKA disabiity board)
WILL NFL FINALLY DO "THE RIGHT THING" AND RULE ON MEDICAL EVIDENCE, OR PLAY MORE GAMES BY GROOM LAW FOR GREEDY OWNERS?
Tomorrow my concussions disability case is being appealed by the NFL disability board. It is frightening to have such a group of men with a corrupt history hold your future in their hands (doesn't help I have stood before both the US House and Senate and called the guys who vote corrupt and dirty cops) ...I am not alon...e, while you enjoy NFL or Sandra Bullock's new movie "The Blind Side", please have a CONSCIENCE and think about all the suffering retired NFL players who have been cast aside by greedy NFL,- think about putting more of your dollars into NFL owner's pockets until they take care of their liabilities, just as all YOU in business would be forced to do--please join, visit, and DONATE,- or join us on Facebook (link on front page (pg 1 of this site)
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BRANDI WINANS' BOOK NOW AVAILABLE AS E-BOOK
This book is so true and powerful, I had a very hard time reading it as it brought up my own past-
please read about brandi and Jeff Winans journey
E-book now available for purchase at www.brandiwinans.com Book available at my websight, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders and Target.com Get your copy of this Inspirational Story Today.
727-433-4842 email: livespeaker@aol.
NEW LINK- TRY THIS ONE FOR VIDEO TRAILER----
SEE THE VIDEO TRAILER FOR BRANDI WINANS BOOK HERE
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/book-video-trailer-the-flip-side-of-glory/2961985250
Oct. 30, 2009
It is Halloween Eve--look at these familiar costumes worn
Wednesday at the House Judiciary NFL Concussion hearing
These guys in the pic below are NOT actually Goodell and NFL execs-
it is an optical illussion- looks real doesn't it?
NO, INSTEAD, THESE ARE THE TOBACCO COMPANY EXECS
LYING THEIR ASSES OFF
STRAIGHT INTO THE EYES OF CONGRESS IN 1994!!
GOT YA!
SPOOKY RESEMBLANCE, ISN'T IT?
PROFESSIONAL LIARS...what a great idea for a costume!
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John Duricka/Associated Press
Tobacco executives told Congress in 1994 that they did not believe there was a proven link between smoking and cancer. Later, the Justice Department sought to prove that they had lied about the dangers of smoking. |
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Oct.29 2009
Boyd's eyewitness report, as one who was responsibble for these House Judiciary hearings, will be coming soon- he is restting after cross country travelling and worn out from concussion damage- look for his detailed one of a kind report soon!!!
Oct 29, 2009
In the "Are you kidding me?" dept.-
House Judiciary hearings on NFL concussions yesterday
Boyd, next to Goodell, and with Willie Wood in background, tries to control his headaches caused by NFL concussions while hearing of even MORE NFL studies and delays-
-remember what I said-
DELAY,DENY, AND HOPE WE DIE!
This was the NFL strategy clearly expressed by Goodell
Oct. 29, 2009
HOUSE JUDICIARY RIPS GOODELL & NFL FOR TREATMENT OF CONCUSSIONS
THIS HEARING, IN WHICH DIGNITYAFTERFOOTBALL.ORG WAS CENTRAL IN SCHEDULING, WAS A HUGE SUCCESS FOR NFL RETIREES- WILL NFL IGNORE CONGRESSIONAL WARNINGS ON ANTI-TRUST EXEMPTIONS AND WAIT OUT THE STORM? OR WILL THE NFL FINALLY AND FOR ONCE DO THE RIGHT THING? STAY TUNED...
Oct. 27, 2009
BOYD WRITES ARTICLE FOR WASHINGTON POST ON NFL CONCUSSIONS
>>click here to read Boyd's Wash Post article<<
Oct 12, 2009
First, a few days ago, DAF, Brent Boyd,
all impossible w/o the reporting by NY Times' writer Alan Schwarz,
get a House Judiciary hearing called on NFL concussions!!!...
last night, CBS 60 MINUTES ran a segment showing the gruesome results and deadly consequences of even MINOR repeated NFL concussions- this report was the work of Chris Nowinski and Dr. Robert Cantu and others at the Sports Legacy institute in Boston, of which Boyd is a proud Board Member-
Much of the critical evidence shown on the 60 Minutes segment were made possible ONLY by the work of DAF's Board members- details will remain anonymous to protect our deceased ex-teammates and friends
Oct.2, 2009
Conyers Plans Hearings on NFL Player Injuries
Brent Boyd, NY Times Alan Schwarz, , and DAF are responsible for this hearing being called!!!
Please help us fight for your dignity and for our youth football players
>>click here for Conyers' announcement, thanks to NY Times'Alan Schwarz<<<
Oct. 1, 2009
NEW YORK TIMES ALAN SCHWARZ REPORTS ON NFL'S HANDLING OF BRENT BOYD'S DISABILITY CLAIM, AND ALL OTHER CLAIMS INVOLVING NFL CONCUSSION/HEAD INJURY DAMAGE
THIS REPORT COMES ON HEELS OF NY TIMES REVELATION OF NFL'S OWN RESEARCH LINKING CONCUSSIONS TO EARLY DEMENTIA
How will NFL/NFLPA weasel out this time??? read first, then stay tuned...
>>click here for NY Times article on Brent Boyd and other head injury NFL disability claims<<
Sept. 29, 2009
NY TIMES- NFL'S OWN RESEARCH PROVES LINK BETWEEN CONCUSSIONS AND EARLY DEMENTIA!!!!
NY Times Alan Schwarz reveals that a new study , conducted by the NFL themselves, finds a link between our NFL concusssions and early dementia. This is GREAT news for those of us who have been struggling with the issues of post-concussion- the inability to hold a job or keep a family, the effect on wives and children.
The evidence has always been there, but for the first time, it is THEIR OWN NFL study, so Doug Ell and Groom Law will be under overwhelming oversight to follow their own research results and approve our disability claims, as many of you too have already proven beyond a shadow f doubt the existence of your brain injuries from NFL concussions.
our hard work and patience is beginning to pay off! The no-nonsense, no conduct detrimental to the league Commisioner would never DREAM of denying proven concussion cases, such as mine, that is also backed up by social Security's examinations.
In a related matter, my neurologist and friend for over 10 years, in 1999- DR. DANIEL AMEN- was the first to finally take brain scnas and made the connection to my symptoms and a bullet-proof diagnosis. The NFL spent a decade ridiculing Dr Amen's techniques as unaccepted science in order to deny my claim
Now, thru the SoCal NFL Alumni, which we all know now is an official arm of the NFL owners-all retirees are being URGED by the hypocritical NFL owners to have their brains scanned and diagnosed by......yes, you guessed it---Dr. Daniel Amen!!! The same doctor they called a quack in private (my attorney present) is now the aparent official neurologist of the NFL!!! How bizarre is this?
HOW CAN THEY CONTINUE TO DENY MY CLAIM AFTER ALL THIS???
That would be PR suicide...
congrats to all other NFL retirees who have survived in spite of a multitude of concussion-related problems--it's restitution time..IT'S BEEN A LONG, STRANGE TRIP-AND NOT MUCH FUN, in fact, agonizingly painful and indescribably humiliating to be told nothing is wrong with your mind.
and please, a moment of prayer to the many retirees who took their own lives after being cast awayby the corrupt NFL and NFLPA.
please read Alan Schwarz' article in today's New York Times below-
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/30/sports/football/30dementia.html?pagewanted=1
Sept. 23, 2009
Former Titans Receiver David Givens Sues Team for $25 Million
Givens alleges team doctors deliberately misinformed him of his own career ending injury!
Sept13, 2009
R.I.P. PATRICK SWAYZE- friend of dignity after football
just less than 2 WEEKS ago,Patrick joined our cause, "DignityAfterFootball.org".(DAF).He took the time to write us about his support for retired NFL players his support of DAF,while deathly ill ,says a lot about what a big ,warm hearted guy he was. Patrick cared about others' plights and suffering ,even to his very end..rest in peace, thanks for the honor and privlilege of our brief friendship
Aug 20, 2009
New Class action filed in Minneapolis Federal Court
on behalf of retired NFL players!!!
Bob Stein Bob Stein with Rams #66
New Class action filed in Minneapolis Federal Court
on behalf of retired NFL players.
Six former NFL players have filed a class action against the NFL, targeting the use of names, images, and likenesses of those players by the league, through NFL Films.
Attorney and former NFL player himself Bob Stein (1969-76) is heading a group including Dignity After Football's Board member Ed White, also HOF'er Elvin Bethea, Dan Pastorini, Fred Dryer, and former Vikes Jim Marshall, Joe Senser
Bob Stein is associated with class action experts he’s known for many years, including senior partner Bucky Zimmerman, at Zimmerman Reed PLLP . Their site is www.zimmreed.com.
To learn more about the case and how you can join if you wish, please check the case website www.retiredfootballplayerslawsuit.com and contact the lawyers listed. Please pass this information along to other retired players in your personal network.
A LETTER FROM DAF'S ED WHITE WITH MORE DETAILS
click on picture below to join the lawsuit or ask the lawyers questions!
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Aug 9, 2009
picture courtesty of Handschuh/News
Ex-players such as Mercury Morris (right) are getting help for their nagging injuries
from doctors such as Joseph Salamone at the Endo Surgical Center in Clifton, N.J.
contact www. pastusa.com--- 1 877 614 PAST
email them at playersmedical@pastusa.com
NEW PROGRAM GIVES FREE HEALTH AND PAIN ADDICTION TREATMENT TO NFL RETIREES PRO BONO
As reported on DAF Facebook this morning/afternoon- a new program has surfaced that places the "help" where the "help" is needed...too many NFL retirees are legally addicted to painkillers, we just can't live w/o them
DAF has been waiting to send you a letter from a person vital to the creation of this orgnization, perhaps tonight or tomorrow
meanwhile, you MUST visit these sites is you are a retiree, wife, or child of retiree!!!
>click here for PAST Retired Football Players Pain Management and Medical Resource Group<<
video clips from players who have used this service,AND DAF Facebook site with more info on P.A.S.T.
>>click here for New York Daily News article on P.A.S.T. TODAY<<
PASTUSA Patient NFL Retired Player Robert Brown
ON YOUTUBE
PASTUSA patient NFL Retired Player Woody Green
on YOUTUBE
Aug 2, 2009
NFL RETIREMENT PLAN FUNDING LEVEL IN "CRITICAL" CONDITION
NFL retirement Board simply "elects" to say there in NO problem, despite Federal standards
Our NFL Bert Bell/PeteRozelle Retirement plan is at 53% of market value since 2008, and 64% of actuarial value of assets.
under federal law, a plan is "endangered" if below 80% and 'critical" if less than 65%
However, our esteemed retirement board, who has played shenanigans w/ERISA laws in denying our disability claims, is now using (abusing?) something called WRERA and simply "voted" to proclaim the plan as neither endangered or critical....
hear no evil, see no evil...
or, "let's pretend there is no problem, we are doing a GREAT job as the retirement board." no changes necessary...
In related news ,My wife and I now have "elected" that we do not owe the IRS any TAXES..THERE, THAT WAS EASY!!!
>>click here for NFL Benefits Annual Funding Report<<
July 26, 2009
DIGNITY AFTER FOOTBALL PASSES THE OVER 1 MILLION HITS
FOR 2009 IN EARLY JUNE
this early landmark set despite DAF being on hiatus for 4 of the 6 months
thank you all for visiting and for your continued support !
Please keep coming and tell your friends-
also visit us at Facebook-
>>click here for DAF's Facebook site and be sure to join!<<
July 19, 2009
TIME magazine writes about Brent Boyd and health of retired NFL Players
>>>click here for TIME magazine article with Brent Boyd<<<
also,
>click here to see archive of Brent Boyd on CBS EVENING NEWS with Katie Couric<
July 10, 2009
A LETTER FROM THE DISTINGUISHED ARIF KHATIB,
PRESIDENT & FOUNDER- AFROSPORTSHALL.COM
Arif and Shaq
>>>click here for ARIF KHATIB'S letter<<<
July 8, 2009
ATLANTA NFLPA CHAPTER PRES. DEWEY MCCLAIN WRITES STRONG LETTER EXPLAINING WHY THE NFLPA, NOT NFL ALUMS, ARE OUR BEST BET,
and other convincing arguments and a call for unity
Dewey McClain
>>>click here for DEWEY McCLAIN'S LETTER<<<
July 8, 2009
BOB GRANT writes letter proving harmony amongst retirees, even through our brotherly fights for success...we WILL not stop until retirees live with dignity....
Bob Grant
>>>click here for BOB GRANT'S letter<<<
July 3, 2009
Roman Gabriel
LEGENDARY NFL QB ROMAN GABRIEL WRITES IN TO DAF'S "SUMMER LETTER SERIES"
ROMAN IS A BOARD MEMBER OF DAF
In my youth Growing up in LA, Roman Gabriel was the greatest hero,
everyone fought to play him in the schoolyards
Roman Gabriel- NFL MVP 1969
NFL "MAN OF THE YEAR" 1973, 1974, 1975
NFL COMEBACK PLAYER 1973
ROMAN HAS RAISED OVER $8,000,000 FOR CHARITIES
He still holds the Rams' career records for touchdown passes (154), passing yards (22,223), passes attempted (3,313), and passes completed 1,705.
today, Roman writes a piece he calls "A WARRIOR"
>>>click here for Roman Gabriel's "a Warrior", to NFL retirees<<<
July 2, 2009
Ed White, wife Joann, and menagerie enjoying life...
click link below to read Ed White's " Bettering NFL Veterans and future Veterans futures: "
ED WHITE WRITES TO NFL RETIREES AS PART OF DAF'S "SUMMER SERIES" OF LETTERS FROM RETIREES AND WIVES
Please share whatever is on your mind, without the pervasive personal attacks lately if you speak up- no personal attacks tolerated anymore, let's end that era!
Here is a place for civil, intelligent discourse of ideas,
along with our online polls
ED WHITE FOLLOWS JOE KAPP'S INAUGUARAL LETTER OF A FEW DAYS AGO-
ARE YOU NEXT?
>>click here for Big Ed White's letter to you all<<
June 29, 2009
JOE KAPP WRITES TO NFL RETIREES, FANS, AND MEDIA
"Call of the Ball"
Kapp, a DAF Member of the Board, opens DAF's "Summer Series" of letters and diverse opinions
from legends, nameless linemen, and interesting outside sources-
please write me a letter for consideration, from your heart.
Talk about you, your husband, or ex-teammates/opponents and the tragedies you have witnessed.
Don't worry about sounding like a professor-
the most powerful language comes from the heart
>>click here for Joe Kapp's letter<<
June 28, 2009
NFL asks Supreme Court to weigh in on antitrust case -
NFL asks Supreme Court to grant it wider latitude!
What is surprising, however, is that the NFL also filed a petition for certiorari(and they were joined by the NBA, NBA Properties, and the NHL).
Notably absent is Major League Baseball, which has an antitrust exemption thanks to a 1922 Supreme Court ruling.
>>click here for USA TODAY/AP news story<<
June 21, 2009
GREEN BAY PACKERS RELEASE 2009 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The Sporting News reports-
"Pack in the black, but not by much"
>>click here for The Sporting News' Mark Kaas article and GB's figures for 2007, 08, 09<<
or, for clearer version---
>>click here, then go to page 18<<
June 10, 2009
WASHINGTON POST CONDUCTS SERIES OF STORIES AND READER COMMENTS REGARDING NFL CONCUSSIONS
Please participate- we MUST begin to do better job of educating fans and corporate TV sponsors- it all starts with the small first step
>here is Wash Post link, please leave comments and tell your truths<<
June 9, 2009
BRENT BOYD'S GONZO REPORT FROM NFLPA PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION
>click here for Brent's report from NFLPA RP convention<<
June 4 2009
NFLPA SETTLES ADDERLY LAWSUIT FOR $26.25 MILLION
In a surpise move, the NFLPA settled the Adderly lawsuit
>>click here for AP news story<
June 1, 2009
NFLPA PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION A HARMONIOUS SUCCESS
Many contentious issues were discussed, nothing swept under the rug---new exec. dir. DeMaurice Smith says
"ONE LOCKER ROOM, ONE TEAM, ONE VOICE"
when referring to retired and active players. Dee Smith opened with the words
"I am Dee Smith, and I DO stand up for retired players "
more of this story to come soon....
May 28, 2009
BERNIE PARRISH'S EMAIL UNVEILS HIDDEN TRUTHS-
EXPOSES WHAT IS HOLDING OUR MOVEMENT BACK
"Guys I agree with Ditka's letter that these guys have damaged us with Congress and generally. Their interest is self promotion for personal gain. Harry Carson is in that same boat how do you represent minority clients to get them jobs in NFL management and coaching while at the same time you are claiming to represent the majority of retired players, while you are also an NFL media announcer approved or disapproved by the Commissioner?"
Bernie Parrish
(this letter from Ditka was attached to Bernie's email )
May 22, 2009
U.S. APPEALS COURT FINDS TOBACCO CO.'S GUILTY OF RACKETEERING,
FRAUD AND DECEPTIVE PRACTICES
THIS CASE IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE WAY NFL/NFLPA,
AND GROOM LAW GROUP HAVE TREATED
NFL RETIREES RE: CONCUSSION DAMAGE,
AND WILL CAUSE THEM CONCERN
Dee and Roger, without delay---
FIRE GROOM LAW GROUP!!!
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Cigarette companies systematically lied for decades to hide the dangers of smoking, a U.S. appeals court said on Friday as it upheld a trial judge's racketeering verdict.
>click here for Wall Street Journal report<
May 12, 2009
Posted by Mike Florio on May 12, 2009, 3:16 p.m. Pro Football Talk
One of the more embarrassing episodes in the history of the NFL
Players Association has been resolved.
Executive Director DeMaurice Smith, elected without contractual terms in place, finally has a deal, according to the Associated Press.
Smith said Tuesday that a contract has been reached during a discussion with Minneapolis-area reporters.
What isn’t known (and won’t be until the relevant federal forms are filed) is the compensation Smith will receive. He and the union reportedly were up to $5.6 million apart less than a month ago.
Also from Pro football Talk-
"So while it’s encouraging that, per Liz Mullen and Daniel Kaplan of SportsBusiness Journal, a contract for Smith is close to being finalized, we can only wonder how much more the players will be paying based on the failure of their leadership to use the leverage the union enjoyed when the four men vying for the job could have been played against each other."
May 5, 2009
NFL marking AFL's history with legacy games
NEW YORK (AP) The NFL will stage 16 games this season to honor the American Football League, which turns 50 in 2010.
In announcing the 16 matchups Tuesday, the NFL said the eight original AFL teams will wear historic uniforms.
Eleven legacy games will be matchups between those original AFL teams: Buffalo, New England, San Diego, Denver, Oakland, Tennessee, Kansas City and the New York Jets. The Chargers actually began life in Los Angeles in 1960, while the Titans were the Houston Oilers and the Chiefs were the Dallas Texans. The Jets were known as the New York Titans back then.
The first legacy game is during the preseason, when Buffalo plays Tennessee in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio on Aug. 8.
On the first Monday night of the regular season, a doubleheader will feature Buffalo at New England, followed by San Diego at Oakland. On Sept. 27, the current Titans are at the former Titans: Tennessee at the Jets.
On Oct. 11, New England is at Denver, while the following weekend has Tennessee at New England on Oct. 18, Denver at San Diego on Oct. 19.
San Diego visits Kansas City on Oct. 25 in another legacy game, followed by the Jets at the Raiders.
Buffalo is at Tennessee and Kansas City at Oakland on Nov. 15.
Another legacy game has the Dallas Cowboys, wearing their jerseys from 1960-1962, at Kansas City on Oct. 11. From '60-62, the Texans and Cowboys shared the Cotton Bowl before the Texans moved to Kansas City to become the Chiefs.
On Nov. 1, the Miami Dolphins, who joined the AFL as an expansion team in 1966, visit the Jets. On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, Oakland visits the Cowboys. Three days later, Miami is at Buffalo. On Dec. 8, the final legacy game has New England at Miami.
Game-worn jerseys and signed memorabilia will be auctioned off throughout the season, with money raised going to the NFL Player Care Foundation.
The AFL began in 1960 and lasted through 1969, when a merger with the NFL became official. The two leagues began playing championship games in the 1966 season, although the title game was not called the Super Bowl until the 1969 match between the Jets and Baltimore Colts.
April 21, 2009
Reminder---
Joe D and 2 others to ride 2,000 miles on bicycles to raise money for orphanage in Matamoras, Mexico
Joe D and family at Joe's Hall of Fame induction
(DAF Photos)
see www.orphanagefundraiser.com and DONATE, DONATE, DONATE!!!
The Purpose of the Bike Ride
There are thousands of children around the world whose living conditions and daily lives are deplorable. One of those situations is in Matamoros Mexico where many children roam the streets soliciting donations, living in the dump trying to get food and various goods to sell or use, lacking education, and having no opportunity to escape the poverty and abuse that has become a routine part of their lives. We have been blessed with the opportunity to change these conditions for children, by building a safe and supportive orphanage that will begin to reverse this tragic situation that no child should experience.
John Shinsky, Joe DeLamielleure, and Eljay Bowron are committed to generating the necessary resources to support abandoned, abused, and neglected children by riding bicycles 2000 miles from the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing Michigan, to the orphanage in Matamoros Mexico. With the love, support, and generosity of many people, we are completing the 12 building, 33,000 square foot facility that will provide a home, food, safety, love, education, bilingual and vocational training for hundreds of children who are abandoned, physically, sexually, and emotionally abused. Six buildings have been constructed thus far at a cost of $30. per square foot. 100% of all the donations that have been given to the project go directly to supporting this facility named, “The City of Children of Matamoros Mexico.”
John, Joe, and Eljay hope that the financial resources generated from this bike ride through per mile donations, Ambassador Club memberships, short and long term donations, will give them what we need to open up a new world of opportunity for abandoned and abused children. Please visit our website at www.shinskyorphanage.com to see more details regarding the orphanage and consider making a donation to this worthy cause. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
April 13, 2009
Webster Estate's Attorney Cy Smith writes in Sports Business Journal-
new NFLPA Exec Director DeMaurice Smith must focus his energies to
fixing problems facing NFL retirees immediately
here is an excerpt----
Published April 13, 2009 : Page 22
Editor’s note: The author represented the estate of former Pittsburgh Steelers player and hall of famer Mike Webster in the first successful lawsuit against the NFL’s pension plan.
Last month, NFL players meeting in Hawaii took a historic step by electing only the third executive director in the history of their union, Washington lawyer and ex-prosecutor DeMaurice Smith. Now, the question looms as to whether the NFL’s union is ready to make a historic admission that it has, at best, ignored — and at worst, ripped off — its retired players.
While coverage of the new executive director has focused on the next round of negotiations with owners, the issue that should be front and center for the NFLPA is its commitment to retired NFL players, who number 13,000 and dwarf the approximately 1,700 current players. The ranks of these ex-players, and their needs for pension, health, disability benefits, will only continue to grow. Beyond the need to change specific policies, the union needs a new mind-set, a new willingness to engage retired players on their own terms and to treat them as stakeholders. And as with any organization, change begins at the top.
It’s not easy to follow a legend. But with DeMaurice Smith’s new beginning, he has the chance to turn the page for the union and to provide new respect to the retired players who built the league.
March 20,2009
DeMAURICE SMITH NAMED NEW NFLPA EXEC DIRECTOR
DAf offers congratulations, best wishes,
and a hope to work together-
a new era begins! we will be there to help....
"Another immediate challenge Smith must deal with is repairing the rift between the union and a group retired players, who feel disenfranchised over their poorly funded pension and medical plans.
Smith called it "a moral obligation" to address the concerns of retired players and noted that his transition team will include retired players.
"The one clear message that I've had from the first time we met until yesterday: We need to be one team, we need to be one locker room," Smith said.
DeMaurice Smith
>click here for ESPN story on election of Smith as Exec Director<
March 3, 2009
MORE FROM EX-NFLPA EMPLOYEE VALERIE THOMAS
Valerie shares her experience and education in this essay
"Is Governmental Oversight Necessary at the NFLPA?"
This revealing expose took a tremendous amount of time and courage on Valerie's part,
We at DAF thank and always admire Valerie
Her story exposes the need to blow up and rebuild the culture inside the NFLPA, past and present-
We hope the "new" NFLPA coming in 2 weeks brings enormous change,
gets rid of the Richard Nixon-type paranoiac environment
Get rid of Condon, Berthelson, Moran (this heartless woman had Val climb stairs, denying Val access to elevators, and eventually played a role in her firing...yet when faced with her own termination, Moran went to her Daddy for rescue, Congressman Moran (VA)
CURRENT PLAYERS AND THE NEW EXEC- PLEASE CLEAN HOUSE AT NFLPA!!!
>click here for Valerie's essay<
Feb 24, 2009
Valerie Thomas
Former longtime NFLPA Employee, and longtime friend of DAF's,
VALERIE THOMAS
writes a critical and timely piece
about the state of the NFLPA and Corporate Unionism
here is an excerpt, please read this entire letter, especially current players---
"Censorship and punitive disciplinary actions against Player Representatives, Executive Committee members and Retired Players by its own advisors could become a way of silencing and maintaining control and instituting fear of an organization that you helped build and support. You must not allow people to create issues to exploit and fill their pockets at the expense of providing benefits to its members.
Confidence in your leadership is necessary and the lack thereof will implode your organization. You must demand professionalism with integrity and accountability. You must do what is best for the players, not just the teams, the league or the game. This is why the negotiation process is called Collective Bargaining.
In 2011, if there is an impasse in CBA negotiations, NFL players could be locked out.
Do not allow self-promoting and outside influences to build a foundation in your head. If you do, you might as well give them permission to use your Home Depot credit card to purchase and use your tools; build your house; make you pay to furnish it; and, lock you out "
>please click here for Valerie Thomas' letter<
Feb 19, 2009
JOE KAPP AND ROMAN GABRIEL JOIN DAF
Legendary QB's Joe Kapp and Roman Gabriel come on Board-
Kapp won Anti-trust lawsuit v. NFL in 1970's
>for pictures and more information, click here<
Joe Kapp as head coach at Cal Roman Gabriel
Feb. 18, 2009
Roman Oben
ROMAN OBEN, A 2008 RETIREE AND LONGTIME
NFLPA REP, WRITES TO DAF AND TO ALL NFL RETIREES
Oben, a 12 year vet, was a players rep for 7 years and was on the "inside" until he retired last year.
Now, read as Oben shares his valuable insider observations and thoughts
on the players union, the history and future,
and gives retirees valid reasons to back Troy Vincent as new NFLPA Exec Director
Please read this historic letter, and see why Oben has convinced DAF to endorse Troy Vincent and urge
all NFL retirees to let it be known that, of the 3 remaining candidates, we want Vincent
Thank you to Roman Oben for writing this exclusive for DAF-
>now- everybody click here to read Roman Oben's letter- you don't want to miss this!<
Feb, 11, 2009
NEW NFL RETIRED PLAYERS POLL/SURVEY RESULTS ARE RELEASED!
(see link for full results below)
Secure results from Zoomerang, the most trusted name in polling- one vote, one person, no tampering possible
when asked, at this early stage, "who would you like to see on this board (as our representatives)?" (who do you want on the Board of the new NFL retirees group?)
I humbly report the results- remember, these are unofficial poll results, the REAL voting will occur soon as the advocate leaders agree....
1- Brent Boyd (66 votes)
2- Mike Ditka- (56)
3-Bernie Parrish - (36)
4-Ben Lynch - (21)
5-Jeff Nixon -
(18)
6-Gale Sayers- (16)
7t-Bob Stein - (13)
Bruce Laird - (13)
9t-Roman Gabriel - (12)
Jon Arnett - (12)
Abner Haynes - (12)
Jim Marshall - (12)
10- Delvin Williams - (10)
Joe Kapp, Jerry Kramer, Joe Delameilurre, Jim McFarland, and Kenny Easley each got 9 votes
102 others not listed above also received at least one vote
As for the votes for women, Jane Arnett led with 6, Sharon Hawkins, Sylvia Mackay, and Cathy Smith had 3, and Brandi Winans, Gina Boyd, and Dr Eleanor Perfetto also received votes.
ALL RETIREES, ALL ADVOCATES, ALL GROUPS-
THE TIME HAS COME TO UNITE FOR VICTORY-
NOT BEHIND ONE OF US, BUT BEHIND THE STRONG VOICES OF ALL THE RETIREES! THEY HAVE TOLD US CLEARLY IN 3 POLLS WHAT THEY THINK AND WHAT THEY WANT, LET'S ACCOMODATE THEM - THE ROAD IS UNWINDING BEFORE US, THE RETIREES ARE LEADING, NOT ONE GROUP OR ANOTHER...
Hon. Linda Sancehz, House Judiciary Roman Gabriel-back behind center one more time,
quarterbacking our fight for NFL retiree's rights.
Joe Kapp, an emerging spokesman for One of the Greatest- Abner Haynes!
NFL Retirees-AGAIN!
We will hear much from Joe on DAF soon
Ben Lynch-4th in poll Jim Marshall, always a voice for retired players
Kenny Easley, DAF co-founder, lost a kidney
and almost his life due to NFL doctors
who gave him too many tylenol/painkilers for
his injured ankle- it cost him his for-sure automatic Hall of Fame Induction
(which he will still get!!!)
but hw was damn near killed by drugs given exclusively to him by Seahawks doctors
Delvin Williams story needs to be heard Jeff Nixon
Bob Stein, seen today and as a player(#66)
Bob's experience-- a NFL players, successful player agent, and GM of NBA's Timberwolves, and his passion for helping retired NFL players plight,
make Bob Stein a voice to be reckoned with and a huge advantage for our side
poll results right here!
click link below for all results, charts, and the most valuable individual comments!!!-----
http://www.dignityafterfootball.org/WhatdowedonextSurvey2009.htm
DAf has ALWAYS been grassrotts, controlled by YOU---so, we need and appreciate your comments and questions
send to bboyd62@aol.com
or, for our friends not on the computer, have them mail to
DAF,
10580 N McCarran Blvd
#115-226
Reno, NV, 89502
Feb 8, 2009
THREE Articles explain how Troy Vincent will get rid of all NFLPA
Upshaw remnants as Exec Director!
- so, naturally, Troy Vincent is victim of enormous
Upshaw-style smear campaign
click on articles below---
yahoo sports" Politics as usual in search for next union chief"
Feb 7, 2009
Politics as usual in search for next union chief
Feb 2, 2009
Contra Costa Times " Hits keep coming for NFL retirees"
click here for article
Feb 1, 2009
NY Daily News Slams NFL for
"IGNORING VET'S NEEDS"
click here for NY Daily News article
Feb 1, 2009
Jeff Nixon Gives Drew Brees an Education
click here for Nixon's open letter about Drew Brees' ignorant comments about NFL retirees
Feb. 1, 2009
Today, Super Bowl Sunday-
Congresswoman Linda Sanchez writes
scathing article about the shameful
treatmant given to NFL Retirees
the Hon. Sanchez was Chairwoman of House Judiciary subcommittee
hearing looking into NFL disability benefits
click here for link to Rep. Linda Sanchez' letter----
Jan 28, 2009
Screen Actors Guild (SAG) fires ex-Upshaw partner in crime Doug Allen
Federal Jury found allen complicit in the corrupt breach of fiduciary duties by the NFLPA- holding Upshaw and allen most culpable
click here for SAG firing of Doug Allen story
SLI ANNOUNCES SHOCKING RESEARCH RESULTS AT SUPER BOWL PRESS CONFERENCE
it's not too late to become a braindonor, please see below for info and forms
from Boston Globe---
In an alarming discovery for the nation's youth football community, clinical researchers reported today that the brain of a recently deceased 18-year-old high school football player showed the earliest signs of an incurable debilitating disease caused by the kind of repetitive head trauma he experienced on the field.
Postmortem exams of the brains of six former NFL players who died prematurely between the ages of 36 and 50 have confirmed they suffered from the disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the BU team said in a news conference near the site of the Super Bowl in Tampa. The researchers said the disease is caused by multiple head injuries and afflicts individuals similarly to early-onset Alzheimer's.
former NFL player Brent Boyd said he suffers from post-concussion disability. Boyd, 51, played six seasons as an offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings in the 1980s.
"I know the indignities caused every day by mild traumatic brain damage," he said.
Boyd recently sent a letter to 2,000 retired NFL players imploring them to donate their brains to the study after their deaths.
"As NFL retirees, we already have given all we can of our bodies and brains, while alive at least," he wrote. "Here is one [more] chance to give something to the sport of football, not to the league owners or union, but to Pop Warner, high school, college, and future NFL players."
***click here for entire Boston Globe article by Bob Hohler***
Jan 19, 20, 21, 2009
THE MOST IMPORTANT REQUEST WE HAVE EVER MADE!
BECOME A DONOR TODAY
PLEASE SUPPORT SPORTS LEGACY INSTITUTE (SLI) AND Boston U IN THEIR BRAIN DAMAGE RESEARCH (see page 1 for link to SLI--- and Forms and details are below these paragraphs)
NFL RETIREES NEED TO MAKE ONE LAST HEROIC SACRIFICE, THIS TIME FOR MANKIND-
PLEASE BECOME A BRAIN DONOR!
click and read here for all the forms and details
Jan. 21, 2009
Brandi Winans,
former wife of ex-NFL player Jeff,
releases latest book about life in the NFL,
for both the players and their wives
"The Flip Side of Glory" details our experience fighting with with the NFL for Jeff's disability income, etc. and discussing the concussion crisis. A portion of all of the proceeds from my book will go to an Educational college Fund for Disabled Players Children through our foundation, Day For Our Children" - Brandi
Please buy this book!
"The Flip Side of Glory" by Brandi Winans
The Flip Side
of Glory
Brandi Winans
reviews---
The Flip Side of Glory gives the reader an insight into the seamy side of the NFL that the apple
pie, motherhood and patriotic owners do not want you to learn about. The book should
change your view of the NFL.
Bill Block, Author
An Imortal Team of Mortal Men - The 1972 USC Football Team.
This book gives one powerful story behind the scenes that fans just wouldn't understand
without reading it. In this riveting book, Brandi tells of the roller coaster ride of being
married to the NFL. It is a must read.
Carolyn B. Quintin, M. A., Quintin and Associates
Leadership, Teams, Diversity & Conflict Mgmt.
A heart-wrenching story of love, accceptance and hope. A great read.
Laurie Vallett, National Sales Manager
Tradewinds Island Resorts, St. Pete Beach
A book from the heart that tells the truth about so many athletes’ plight after the game is over.
Will D. Rhame, Author
Introduction by
New York Times
Best-Selling Author
Joan Johnston
visit Brandi at www.Brandiwinans.com or www.dayforourchildren.com
Jan. 19, 2009
Legendary HUGH MCELHENNY writes to Goodell one week after
Senate Commerce hearing in Sept. 2007 and is STILL awaiting a reply-
another great legend JON ARNETT comments on the disrespect shown to Hugh;
and Jon ALSO comments on the meeting in Newport with Goodell and NFL retirees
click here for their letters and the forward written by Brent Boyd
Jan. 17, 2009
Read Brent Boyd's recap of the Newport meeting with Goodell---
from his perspective, everyone will have their own unique experience-
this is entertaining and informative!
Click here for Brent Boyd's report on the Newport meeting with Goodell
Jan. 16, 2009
Bernie Parrish explains his thoughts on why all NFL retirees
need to oppose nomination of Eric Holder as U.S. Attorney General
the San Francisco trial v NFLPA/Players Inc.
Jan. 14, 2009
Here are results of DAF's 2nd poll- asking only one write-in question..."If you could attend tonight's meeting in Newport, Ca with Goodell and NFL retirees, what statements or questions would you want to make to the Commissioner. These are great, well thought out, personal and insightful answers. No one was required to put their name, but some did, such as Roman Gabriel
click here for results of DAF's 2nd survey
Jan. 10, 2009
Results are in for DAF's Inauguaral Online Survey- SEE THE STUNNING RESULTS HERE!
See here for results of the survey, which dealt with the issues of the search for a new NFLPA Exec Director and also other issues facing NFL retirees-
Some examples:
>> NFLPA Executive Director Search Survey Results 2009
>> Click here to see all results including the write-in (which was called "other, please specify"
- every write-in comment is posted here for all to read as well as vote totals and percentages
Jan. 2, 2009
Kathy Smith (wife of Lucious) and Brent Boyd
appear on Black Athlete Sports Network radio
-FOOTBALL REPORTERS ONLINE-
(BASN)
Dec. 25, 2008
DAF'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
FROM BRENT BOYD-
FIRST, A MESSAGE TO THE WIVES OF NFL RETIREES---
EVERY EMAIL FROM DAF SINCE THE BEGINNING DAY ONE, HAS BEGUN WITH THE GREETING "TO FELLOW NFL RETIREES AND YOUR WIVES AND LOVED ONES "
(BEFORE THE MESSAGE, WE WANT TO POINT OUT THAT DAF PIONEERED THE IMPORTANCE OF WIVE'S ISSUES AND THE DIFFERENT SET OF PROBLEMS THAT YOU COURAGEOUSLY FACE- WITH NO HELPLINE OR SUPPORT...
DAF WAS FOUNDED WITH WIVES AS BEING JUST AS IMPORTANT AS EX-PLAYERS AND THE MISSION OF CHANGING THAT INJUSTICE AND PROVIDING UNIQUE SERVICES TO ASSIST WIVES AND FAMILY MEMBERS..
DAF HAS HAD ON-STAFF FOR YOUR USE A PROMINENT AND RESPECTED
PROFESSIONAL LICENSED MARRIAGE FAMILY THERAPIST -MFT--
NO ONE ELSE HAS GONE TO THE EXTENT TO HELP WIVES OF NFL RETIREES AS DAF-
--PLEASE KEEP US IN YOUR HEART --
NFL RETIREE'S WIVES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VITAL TO OUR MISSION
AND WE THANK YOU WIVES FOR YOUR STUBBORN SUPPORT)
---AND NOW, THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM BRENT BOYD----
Fellow NFL retirees AND YOUR WIVES AND LOVED ONES,
Dignity After Football (DAF) would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you and your's a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a great New Year.
we would also like to thank the members of the media and the United States Congress who have had the courage to expose the shameful acts of the NFL and NFLPA. We pray for your integrity and persistence. Our's is a group who will suffer mightily without your attention. God Bless you all.
DAF would also especially like to acknowledge and thank our brothers and sisters in this fight for dignity- all the other NFL retiree Advocacy groups and individuals. They do the tireless and selfless work of saints... we may all attack from different angles, but we are united as one team, with one goal as our focus. Thanks to all of these heroes.
We have a lot of work still to be done- unfortunately too many of you know exactly what I am talking about and are suffering needlessly as you read this. To accomplish your relief, we MUST unite into one democratic group, with the large loud voice of ALL NFL retiree's and your wives behind it.
so, again, thank you all for supporting me and DAF, we wish you nothing but the best in the future and a happy holiday season now.
and most of all,- to you the ex-player, your wives and families--- may you have a life with DIGNITY.
Gratefully,
Brent and Gina Boyd
775-560-7746
Dec 21, 2008
Hear Dr. Eleanor Perfetto, Sylvia Mackey, Alan Schwartz of NY Times
on Public Radio's "On Point"
here are comments from host Tom Ashbrook
When the lights are up and the crowd is roaring, it’s all glorious mayhem in the National Football League. The power, the plays, the crunching hits and tackles.
But when the lights go down, the crowds go home, and careers end,
it’s often NFL wives left to pick up the battered pieces.
The toughest wounds to deal with: brain damage from repeated poundings and concussion on the football field. Retired players dealing with depression, memory loss, dementia. Big men reduced to helplessness.
This hour, On Point: NFL wives on the long trail of concussion on the field.
You can join the conversation. What do you think when you hear the crack of helmets on the football field? What about the brains, the men inside those helmets — and their wives?
-Tom Ashbrook
click here to listen to the program
Dec. 18, 2008
Wives and meetings with Goodell-
an issue PROUDLY first brought foreward by DAF
THE ISSUE 1ST BROUGHT ON WAS
BY OTHERS WHO WERE
WANTING ONLY THEIR ATTORNEY LET IN,
asking "why not let our attorney in?"
ONLY DAF ASKED "WHY NOT THE WIVES?"
THANK YOU TO ALL THE WIVES OF NFL RETIREES
WHO ARE SO ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN DAF
-YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE INVALUABLE-
WE KNOW YOU WIVES HAVE A DIFFERENT SET OF ISSUES AS YOUR HUSBANDS,
WE HAVE A FAMILY THERAPIST ON STAFF JUST FOR YOUR QUESTIONS,
WE KNOW THAT WHAT EFFECTS YOUR HUSBAND EFFECTS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY-
AND WE AT DAF HAVE BEEN FIGHTING AND ADVOCATING
FOR YOU WIVES FOR YEARS NOW
OTHERS WERE ONLY CONCERNED ABOUT ATTORNEYS
OF ALL THINGS, NOT WIVES, BEING
LET INTO MEETINGS---
WE AT DAF ALONE
MADE
PHONE CALLS ASKING IF THE BAN ALSO APPLIED TO WIVES,
ESPECIALLY WIVES WHO HAVE HUSBANDS
WITH DEMENTIA OR ALHEIMERS
HERE ARE TWO EXCERPTS OF EMAILS THAT CAUGHT
THE MEDIA'S ATTENTION,
1ST IS A "FAKE LETTER" SUPPOSEDLY WRITTEN BY GOODELL-
BUT WRITTEN BY US-
(EMAILED NOV 4, 2008)
"from DAF- a special note to NFL retirees from Roger Goodell:
"Dear NFL Retirees,
We could have announced this Saturday's meeting in Chicago weeks ago,
just as we could easily release to you our intended schedule for the remainder of this year's meetings today.
However, in doing so, we run the risk of higher attendance,
as well as the frightful prospect of having in attendance those
who are actually affected by the issues to be discussed.
We have already disallowed spouses to attend in place of their dementia diagnosed husbands.
But yet we remain steadfastly fearful of fielding some actual tough questions, questions that may contain real facts
and to see living examples to back them up.
So you will be kept in the dark until further notice.
You see, had we announced the meeting this Saturday Nov. 8th weeks ago,
it would have been more convenient and affordable for you to attend.
It would be the "right" and merciful thing to do. (we don't roll that way...)
By operating THIS way, only NFL retirees who have the financial means to travel at the last minute will be able to attend.
Sans attorneys. Obviously the demographics of this un-lawyered jet-set group are more
favorable to us
and, frankly,
a lot less grumpy than the thousands of you who are suffering mightily from your NFL injuries,
poverty level pensions, and from our insistence on denying you your rightful disability benefits.
I mean, who wants to face THAT crowd, am I right?"
(end excerpt)
THE SECOND EMAIL THAT THE MEDIA READ BUT NOT THE LOUDEST ADVOCATES TODAY--
(EMAILED NOV. 8, 2008)
"Fellow NFL Retirees and your loved ones:
We at Dignity After Football (DAF) are diligently working to improve our fate as NFL retirees and trying to ensure the NFL and NFLPA live up to any promises made, as are many other distinguished groups and individuals.
Today I am asking for your help in gathering some statistical and anecdotal information following today's meeting of NFL retirees and Roger Goodell in Chicago.
We need the help of both ex-players AND your wives/loved ones.
If you attended today's meeting, please email me ASAP at bboyd62@aol.com.
Your replies will be kept confidential (remember I turned in over 600 heartfelt personal letters from NFL reitirees to the U.S. Congress and not ONE word from any letter has been leaked or used for promotional purposes. Also, since Day One, all of our emails from DAF have been sent "blind copy" in order to protect your identity.)
Specifically, we need immediately the following info:
1 - Who attended the meeting, whether ex-players, NFL execs or NFLPA representatives, or others, etc
2 - How do you feel the meeting went? What was discussed?
3 -We are of upmost concern that the wife of ANY former player was denied entrance, but even more specifically-- -were any wives who's husband is diagnosed with dementia denied entrance? Did you wives even know about this meeting, were you given advance notice? If you knew of the meeting, would you have attempted to attend? Or if you did know, were you discouraged from attempting to attend by the NFL's notice given that no wives or family members would be allowed? We need to know all of this please.
4 - Did they say when or if the next meeting will be held? Was a schedule of future meetings released?
5 -Lastly, please feel free to give any other comments you have about today's meetings or suggestions for future meetings.
Thank you for your help and participation. Your information will go a long way to improve the lives of NFL retirees- while they are still living! As opposed to the NFL/NFLPA's longstanding policy of "Delay, Deny, and Hope We Die". Thank you for reading and thanks in advance for your emails.
Please forward this to all ex-players on your email address book. Remember.... United We Stand--Divided We Fall
Brent Boyd
775-560-7746
(end of email)
Dec 11, 2008
DAF Logo used by Examiner
4 comments 
December 9, 3:17 PM
by Paula Duffy, Sports Examiner
Dignity After Football logo (in Examiner)
Don't get me started on the latest magnanimous gesture of the NFL. And I say that with all the sarcasm I can muster.
The league has been humbled by the plight of retired players who have a difficult time making ends meet, keeping a roof over their heads and getting necessary medical care. They believe that most of that care is related to the toll on their bodies from their years in the NFL.
We have heard Mike Ditka speak on the subject as well as former Packer great Jerry Kramer. Wives of retired players like Sylvia Mackey have taken center stage at times to raise awareness about the condition of their husbands.
The league and its union have pitted the active players against the retirees by insisting that the money for needy older men must come from the the salary cap numbers that apply to those on NFL rosters today. That has caused undue stress between the active union members and the men who claim they gave up their bodies so that the youngsters can make millions a year. It's not pretty.
The former head of the NFL Players Association, the late Gene Upshaw was from that older generation of former players and the animus that existed between him and some of his former teammates was palpable. The league and union, in the last few years have established some programs to address the needs of players with dementia and those who require joint replacement.
But the biggest issue for the retired players who are approaching or already at the age of 65 has always been medical coverage. In its latest move to try and satisfy that vocal group, the union and league announced a monthly stipend for all players over the age of 65 and who are fully vested in the pension plan. It is to be used towards a Medicare supplemental plan. If you know anything about the cost of medication today, that small stipend doesn't get you very far. But as the league likes to say, it's better than anything that other sports organizations offer their retired players well after they have retired.
What they never seem to want to address is the difference between the shape of one's body after a career, no matter how long, in the NFL vs. say Major League Baseball.
Dec 2, 2008
Players Inc trial
OPENING STATEMENTS
thanks to lead attorney Ron Katz for selecting info for you to read-
today, here is Day 2 of the trial
Read the great Opening Statement by Peter Parcher!
--Also, Clifton McNeil begins his testimony
Dec 1, 2008
SF TRIAL TRANSCRIPTS
THANKS TO LEAD ATTORNEY RON KATZ--
DAY ONE OF TRIAL
JURY SELECTION
Nov 26, 2008
BRENT BOYD APPEARS LIVE
ON BLACK ATHLETES SPORTS NETWORK
(BASN)
FOOTBALL REPORTERS ONLINE SHOW
LEGEND LEONARD MARSHALL AND
LIFFERT HOBLEY ALSO APPEAR
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW,
BOYD APPEARS AT ABOUT THE 50 MINUTE MARK
Nov 25, 2008
INDIANA UNIVERSITY STUDENT PAPER WRITES
ONE OF BEST EVER REPORTS ON NFL RETIREES' PLIGHT.
ABOUT BRENT BOYD, AND ANDRE WATERS' SUICIDE
"CARRIED OFF IN A COFFIN"
(excerpt)
What would it be like to play God? The NFL might know.
If I were God, I would do three things: end world hunger, cure all forms
of cancer
and give Brent Boyd $960,000 dollars.
Boyd is a former offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings.
He only played seven seasons, but he should have played more.
To say Boyd was smart is to say that Helen of Troy was average-looking....
And while the health of its former players have declined,
the NFL has skyrocketed in dollars and demand.
It has the highest revenues of the four major sports, earning nearly $6 billion a year.
The NFL's latest contract, which will run until the end of 2011,
will bring in $3.7 billion a year for television rights alone.
But they won't pay Boyd a dime more than $1,550 per month.
He deserves the minimum $4,000 that retired players receive if they can prove
that their disabilities stem from football-related injuries.
If I were God, Boyd would receive $960,000 -- for the 20 years the NFL has ignored his paralyzed pleas.
The NFL turned its back on Waters, too. The repercussions of concussions
were too much for him. He finally gave in, as Boyd's teammate had once put it,
the only way an NFL player can.
Waters was carried off in a coffin, having done as he was told.
click here for Indiana U story "Carried off in a Coffin"
Nov. 24, 2008
JEFF NIXON WRITES LETTER TO NFL RETIREES
RE:GLA'S AND LICENSING
PLEASE READ!!
an excerpt:
"Obviously, the revenue generating capacity of current superstar players
and Hall of Fame players is greater than that of most players both active
and retired, but all of them would acknowledge that football is a team sport
and that their achievements on the field could only be made possible
by the hard work and contributions of their teammates.
When the NFLPA first issued the GLA's, I thought that
they were finally recognizing this fact.
Unfortunately, they did not follow through with their end of the agreement.
please click here to read Jeff Nixon's important letter
Nov. 19, 2008
ESPN MAG'S PETER KEATING
WRITES ABOUT HOW EA
SCREWED HOF'ers
OUT OF MONEY IN A BELOW-MARKET-VALUE
SECRET DEAL
- IT ALSO PUT THE COMPETITION OUT OF BUSINESS
We sent an email with the attachment containing
all the pertinent emails, courtesy of
Ron Katz...
if you missed that email, let me know and I will send it to you
write me at bboyd62@aol.com for a copy
click here for Peter Keating's ESPN Article
Nov. 16, 2008
"THE SMOKING GUN LETTER"
as called by lead attorney Ron Katz,
this is one of the most important pieces of evidence
in the SF trial between retired NFL players v NFLPA/ Players Inc
This is a letter from Players Inc (NFLPA) Asst. VP Lashun Lawson
to Electronic Arts (EA) - the makers of the Madden video games,
warning them not to use actual "real" retired players,
but to scramble identities instead,
in order to prevent having to pay the retired players
Remember, Madden games have 143 "vintage" teams,
made up of you retirees from decades past, and only 32 "current" teams
please click here to read this letter
Nov 15, 2008
RON KATZ, LEAD ATTORNEY, SENDS
DIGNITY AFTER FOOTBALL
A COPY OF THE CLOSING ARGUMENTS-
IN HIS WORDS---
"Fyi attached is closing argument that generated $21 million in punitive damages"
After the Jury found for the Plaintiff's, the next and last hearing was on Punitive damages.
The jury had already awarded $7.1 mil, but would they add to that figure with Punitive damages
to set an example for ALL Unions not to behave in this type of malicious misconduct?
Or would they award nothing additional?
This is Ron Katz argument that added the additional $21 mil in punitive damages
to the existing $7.1 mil, giving us a total of $28.1 mil-
a VERY strong message sent by the jury, thanks to Katz' closing comments
click here to read Katz' closing argument
Nov.14, 2008
RON KATZ' STATEMENT TO NFL RETIREES
WE HAVE RECEIVED COUNTLESS EMAILS SINCE WE RELEASED
THE LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE CLASS ACTION SUIT-
MANY ARE ASKING, "WHY WASN'T I INCLUDED? WHY WERE SOME OF MY TEAMMATES WHO
PLAYED ONLY A YEAR INCLUDED; WHAT WAS THE CRITERIA FOR BEING INCLUDED; AND MOST IMPORTANTLY,
WHAT WAS THE CRITERIA FOR GETTING A GROUP LICENSING AGREEMENT (GLA) TO SIGN FROM THE NFLPA
IN THE FIRST PLACE? IS IT TOO LATE TO ADD MY NAME? ETC
IN ORDER TO HELP REPRESENT RETIRED PLAYERS, WE AGAIN CONTACTED LEAD PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY
RON KATZ
AND ASKED HIM TO PROVIDE DAF WITH A STATEMENT ADDRESSING THSE QUESTIONS
WE THANK MR. KATZ FOR HIS PROMPT REPLY, AND FOR ALL HIS
DEDICATED WORK IN WINNING THIS CASE
REMEMBER, WE WERE NOT PART OF THIS CASE, WE ARE JUST
HELPING IN COMMUNICATIONS WITH RETIREES AND ACTING AS YOUR REPORTERS
AND NOW, THE STATEMENT FROM RON KATZ TO DIGNITY AFTER FOOTBALL-------
, " to Brent Boyd,
The list of those who signed GLA's that were effective between February 14, 2004 and February 13, 2007
was provided to the class action law firms by the NFLPA. The class action law firms
then retained a professional
mailing firm to send first-class letters to those 2074 players on the list,
who then had until August 15, 2008
to opt out of the class.
Twelve players opted out.
The NFLPA decided who received GLA's. From the evidence, it appears that
the union made solicitations of retired members to sign GLA's from time to time,
both by mail and at meetings of retired players.
The class list is now a public record. If someone has a signed GLA for the relevant period
but is not on the list, the class lawyers will make the Court aware
of that and will ask that that person be included."
(end of statement)
Nov. 13, 2008
HERE IT IS, WHAT YOU'VE ALL BEEN ASKING-
"WHO IS INCLUDED IN THIS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT?"
A Dignity After Football exclusive report
Here is your first look at the entire class list, given to Dignity After Football
today by lead Plaintiff Attorney Ron Katz (thank you, Mr. Katz)
we have received countless inquiries to see who was included.
I was NOT, for example.
We were not a part of this case, we just reported the facts to you.
Special thanks to Herb Adderly for being lead plaintiff and painfully
sitting and suffering thru the trial , with Dignity,
and thanks to attorneys Ron Katz and Peter Parcher
and their wonderful support teams.
Now, we have the pleasure of being the first to announce to you
the members of the Class Action suit v NFLPA/Players Inc.:
click here to see the full official list, see if you are included
Nov.12, 2008
New York Times reports on NFL retirees & NFLPA
Brent Boyd speaks to the New York Times
distinguished writed Alan Schwartz
"Court Verdict for N.F.L. Retirees Starts New Era"
by Alan Schwartz
"One retired player, the former Minnesota Vikings lineman Brent Boyd,
said on Tuesday that he hoped a new era of cooperation could be forged, p
articularly in the wake of the death of the longtime union chief Gene Upshaw in August. Upshaw,
whose replacement has not been selected, had been a lightning rod for criticism by retirees.
“I think definitely it will have ripple effects,” Boyd said of the verdict. “I’m hoping it will cause some fresh thinking
and cooperation with retired players instead of all-out war,
which is what we’ve been getting.”
click here for full NY Times article
or-
if that link forces you to a subscription,
Nov.11, 2008
Los Angeles Times reports on Players Inc. verdict
(Greg Johnson reporting)
"If you do the math, it comes out to $13,000 per class member," said Ron Katz, the Bay Area attorney
who represented 2,062 former NFL players, including 17 Hall of Fame members.
"I think the former players are going to be very satisfied."
However, the lawyers and judge must still decide how to divvy up the award,
some of which will go toward paying attorneys.
Herb Adderley, the former Green Bay Packers great and Hall of Fame member
who initiated the class-action lawsuit more than two years ago,
said Monday that the financial award will
"help a lot of guys, and, hopefully, change the union's ways of taking advantage of the retired players."
Katz said that language in the counts that jurors found the union to be guilty of included such phrases as
"malicious and oppressive conduct with evil motive," and
"conduct that was outrageous and grossly fraudulent."
"I couldn't have said it better myself," Adderley said.
The jury's verdict "opens the door for Congress to revisit the many wrongful denials of disability benefits,"
said former Minnesota Vikings player Brent Boyd, who wasn't part of the class-action lawsuit but has been lobbying in Washington
for a federal investigation into how the union and league treat former players.
click here for full LA Times story
Nov. 10, 2008
4:50 p.m. Pacific time
Retired NFL Players Get $28.1M,
Including $21M in Punitives
Dignity After Football was the first
to report this great news to NFL Retirees-
visit us for the latest news and opinions
Nov. 4, 2008
GOODELL ANNOUNCES MEETING WITH RETIREES
IN CHICAGO ONLY A DISGRACEFUL
5 DAYS IN ADVANCE
the meeting is in Halas Hall this Sat. Nov 8,
--the cowards refuse to give advance notice,
they don't want us to attend-
but gleam rave reviews for the meetings anyway
from media
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