Litigation

We need to protect brains and prevent further brain damage in these players who refuse to protect themselves

By Michael Kaplen

Do as I say, not as I do, that must be the mantra of the NFL and many of their players.  Here is an amazing story reported in USA Today concerning Eagles running back Brian Westbrook who returns to team practice following TWO concussions within weeks of each other and who has no memory of the knee to the head he took in the first concussion.

He told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he's worried about how his body will react to the concussions long after his playing days end:

"I'm very concerned just because there is not a lot of data that says in 10 years or 20 years you'll be fine if you had too many concussions. I'm worried about that, and, hopefully, next time I go out there I don't have to worry about it anymore.

"That's my biggest concern. How am I going to be when I'm 50 or when I'm 60? Will I have all these brain diseases and will I have a problem remembering things? . . . Now, I'm trying to get myself together with the help of the doctors as well as coach (Andy) Reid and the training staff. Now, the most important thing is to get 100 percent healthy - and not play football . . . until I'm 100 percent healthy."

Just a simple question from a brain injury attorney representing individuals with mild head injury who suffer life long consequences, WHY ARE YOU TAKING A CHANCE?  WHY IS YOUR TEAM ALLOWING YOU TO GO BACK AND RISK FURTHER INJURY?

Maybe the NFL needs to retire these players now.  Mandate that they get paid for their entire contract and provide them with proper future compensation benefits, now, before they risk further brain damage.

Read the full USA Today: Eagles RB Brian Westbrook 'really scared' about concussions as he rejoins team

Full post as published by Brain Injury News and Information on December 10, 2009 (boomark / email).