Family Sues NFL Over Former Player’s Suicide

February 24th, 2012 - By Brande Victorian

Source:Deadspin.com

You don’t have to be a football fan to know that those men play hard and injuries, including concussions, are sometimes apart of the game. But the family of Dave Duerson, a former Chicago Bears player who committed suicide last year after sustaining three concussions throughout his 11-year career, feels otherwise. They have filed a wrongful death suit against the NFL claiming that the league deliberately hid information that playing football can lead to brain damage from coaches, players, and fans.

According to the lawsuit, Duerson, a Pro Bowl safety, suffered from progressive, advanced brain damage known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which his family believes could have been prevented.

“If the NFL would have taken the necessary steps to oversee and protect Dave Duerson by warning him of the dangers of head traumas. . .then (he) would not have suffered dangerous repetitive head trauma, would have recovered more rapidly, and would not have sustained permanent damage to his brain which contributed to his death,” the suit reads.

Six other former players who suffered brain damage and later committed suicide are also mentioned in the case, which is one of about a dozen that have been filed against the NFL and helmet makers since the summer, alleging that both parties failed to warn players that the gear would not prevent brain injuries. The suit directly attacks the NFL Committee on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, charging that it concealed the link between brain trauma and permanent brain damage that can lead to death.

So far, the NFL has denied the claims, and Riddell, the co-defendant in the case, which makes most of the league’s helmets has declined to comment. A lot of players would have a suit on their hands if the NFL is forced to pay up in this instance.

Do you think Duerson’s family has a case?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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  • Rose S

    I have had two sons play high school and college football; this is one of the many things that scared me. I do believe it is the NFL’s duty to make sure all the players get the UP MOST care when playing. And if they are hurt be seen with the players health in mind. In the past, it seems if your not a multi-million dollar player they patched you up and sent you back out.

    Just my two cents

  • Nursekimberly89

    Google the “88 Plan”. The NFL provides financial assistance for players that develop neurological disorders due to injuries sustained from the game. 

  • tastythoughts

    but yet its the risk they knowingly take to play pro ball…i mean…its not rocket science but one would think the way they use their heads and slam around on the field that head injuries are going to be notorious….i dunno…if in 2012 u cant google some ish about something then its almost like whose fault is that…i know the family is in pain and i cant say whether they have a case or not but logically speaking….more than one concussion is a problem. 

  • Guest

    I read the autopsy report in the Guardian Newspaper and it was appalling. His brains were non-functioning. Highly unusual for a man his age. Concussions on the field have to addressed in a fundamental way. It is being discussed in Canada for pro also up-and- coming hockey players . I am no longer a sports fan for this very reason.

  • L-Boogie

    This is a unfounded case.  Unfortunately, due to the nature of the job “football” injuries are expected.  However, life insurance and other necessities should be granted (i.e. life-long insurance) if an injury is sustained on the field.  

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