Dave’s Hip Replacement T-Shirt
I’ve been following Dave’s ongoing attempts to get a check out of the NFL’s hip replacement program over the past couple of months. I’ve been amazed at Dave’s patience as Valerie Cross (the NFL’s Director of Player Benefits) and Eden Haloway, Mary-Ann Fleming (the NFL’s Manager of Player Benefits) kept requesting more and more details and copies of bills related to Dave’s injuries and hip surgery.
“Man, oh man,” I thought to myself. “As much as they’re wanting to know, they’re really going to help him out and finally issue him a decent check to cover some of his costs.” They had Dave send doctors’ names and numbers, copies of his various physical therapy bills, medications and other related expenses in great detail. In all, Dave must have spent well over a week’s worth of his time on the phone and going through files to send her everything she asked for.
This morning, Dave called to tell me he had just talked to Valerie Cross again and it looks like they’re going to send a check out to him tonight! For the princely sum of $195.76! That check will cover Dave’s bills for two seat cushions and a $5 co-payment! Apparently that’s all they could find that would be approved for coverage after poring over all of my expenses. Can you imagine some poor player waiting and waiting for their approval to arrive BEFORE getting surgery?
Dear Disabled Player -
Congratulations! You have now qualified for the NFL Hip Replacement Program. As such, we have approved the following:
- 10 – Paperclips
- 12 – Clothespins
- 12 – Band-Aids
- 1 – X-acto Knife
- 1 – Bottle of Jack Daniels
Best of luck on a speedy recovery!
The NFL Player Benefits Dept.
And all I could think of was one of those stupid t-shirts that they sell back in Florida to the tourists:
Dave's Nifty NFL T-shirt
And this came from Dave in an e-mail:
“I am confused because I was asked for specific physical therapy dates which I gave to Mary-Ann Fleming and somehow they didn’t make its way into this reimbursement check??
Furthermore, does anyone truly believe that your only out-of-pocket expenses for a total hip replacement is $195.76? If you do, then there really is a tooth fairy!
However, after almost 30 years and spending over $500,000 of my own money on medical bills (and this cost continues to grow by the day) the NFL has finally provided my family with some needed relief in the amount of $195.76. Thank you.”
Dave & Heidi Pear
P.S. – We were also wondering how many of you knew about this program and applied for it? And how many of you have actually received anything after applying?
Ron Porter
November 18th, 2008 at 7:08 pm #
The more articles and testimonials that I read, the more I wonder how on earth these people in power positions cannot be removed. Good grief – the President of the United States can be removed from office for unconscionable actions. The people supposedly looking out for players and retired players interests have gone past unconscionable to criminal. Sooner or later the piper comes calling.
The power players in the NFLPA and the Retirement Plan have been in place since time began. It is time for a new sunrise – a generational change – a mindset change.
All that is asked of these people is to act in a fair and equitable manner. Can you imagine if these people were asked to officiate a National Football League game? What would instant replay reveal?
Has legal counsel been consulted to research personal accountability? What are those big words they use – malfeasance, fiduciary irresponsibility, dereliction of duty, criminal intent, etc., etc.?
It defies reality that NFLPA money is used against NFL players. Then, in the next breath, create plans to help those in need and then screw people like Dave Pear to the wall.
Ron Porter
Baltimore Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings
1967 – 1973
Derek Kennard
November 19th, 2008 at 6:19 pm #
What the League has done to the former players that are in dire need of Medical, Dental and a better pension plan is absurd. We have the richest sport in all the land and we treat our retired players like this. I personally know NBA and MLB players who have played less than 5 years and are paid handsomely with their retirement plan/pension. We are sadly misrepresented.
DK
Derek Kennard
Cowboys 94-96
Saints 91-93
Cardinals 86-90
Ed Berliner
January 14th, 2009 at 5:23 pm #
Dave,
As a veteran reporter who has spent his career covering the NFL, I have long been appalled at the manner in which the League has treated the veteran player. I recently conducted an interview with Bruce Laird that is on the Cold Hard Sports website, and which we are promoting to other media outlets.
I would like to get in touch and conduct an interview with you for the site, and would be happy to provide audio/video copies of the interview for you to use on your site or wherever it will help.
Please get in touch with me at the e-mail address listed in this comment. I look forward to speaking and helping in the effort.
Best
Ed Berliner