A class action lawsuit is being brought against the NFL by over 500 former players for negligence in handling players’ injuries. The players alleged that in lieu of proper medical treatment, they were instead pumped full of painkillers so they could continue playing.
The players named in the suit include Richard Dent, Jim McMahon, Jeremy Newberry and J.D. Hill. They’re being represented by Steve Silverman, Bleacher Report writes.
“The NFL knew of the debilitating effects of these drugs on all of its players and callously ignored the players’ long-term health in its obsession to return them to play,” Silverman said.
McMahon claimed NFL doctors never informed him that he had a broken neck and ankle while playing; they merely gave him more pills to allow him to play.
Ex-Bears QB Jim McMahon says team doctors never told him about a broken neck and ankle he suffered during his career. http://t.co/qFHGNfP5CY
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067thefandc) May 20, 2014
“I don’t think they were looking out for our best interests, that’s for sure,” McMahon said.
J.D. Hill had more than just overlooked injuries. He claims the NFL’s overactive prescription pads led to his addiction to drugs.
“I was provided uppers, downers, painkillers, you name it while in the NFL,” Hill said. “I became addicted and turned to the streets after my career and was homeless. Never took a drug in my life, and I became a junkie in the NFL.”
The NFL has not made any comment yet.