As NFL owners and members of the Players Association debate on how to divide over $8 billion of revenue, the league continues to turn its back on its dark secret. Too many former players are dying at a young age.
The league has received a great degree of criticism over how it takes care of its former players. Post career health care is a big sticking point in the CBA negotiations.
One needs only to look at the suicide of former Chicago Bears Safety Dave Duerson to realize that there is something wrong. His death last Thursday at age 50 in Florida, was ruled a suicide by the medical examiner. He left a hand written note requesting that his brain be examined for CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a degenerative disease tied to depression, dementia and suicide.
This disease has been linked to chronic head injuries and concussions. His brain was donated to the Boston University School of Medicine which has partnered with the NFL in examining head injuries.
Duerson played 11 seasons from 1983-1993. He was a member of the famed defense of the 1985 Chicago Bears under Mike Ditka. He also won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants in 1990. He played in four Pro Bowls.
Duerson was known for his huge hits during ghis career. Researchers will be looking to see if there is a relationship between his head injuries and CTE.
The medical school is currently conducting brain studies on 65 cases. A number of living NFL players have pledged to donate their brain and spinal cord upon their death.
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