You Want What?!!
Last week, Dave received a note and a packet of paperwork from Eden Haladay at the NFL Player Care Foundation. Dave had no idea why they were even sending him something like this but we took some time to look over the paperwork and the process involved.
Keep in mind that over the years, Dave’s experiences with the various “programs” have generally resulted in a lot of skepticism and made cynics out of most of us who have followed these things for a while. The best recent example was Dave’s experience with the Hip Replacement program (read about some of that in a recent post HERE).
Check out the application forms as well as all the Disclosures and caveats attached. Basically, they want you – and your spouse – to submit to what amounts to a full body-cavity search for financial and criminal background information. All this while the NFL hides behind its antitrust protection and the NFLPA continues to demand an audit of the NFL’s books – even as they both continue to keep as much information on themselves hidden as they possibly can. The Player Care Foundation wants at least two years of your tax returns – along with your spouse’s tax returns. Apparently, this is now going to be their new policy in processing applications. While we can understand the need to prevent fraud, there’s absolutely no assurances that your information will be kept confidential and not used against you for their own ends. During Upshaw’s reign, Dave’s personal, confidential medical information was posted online for a while in their White Paper debacle (read about that HERE) – a clear violation of HIPAA laws.
It’s not like they hand out much money to the few applicants who manage to apply but the real question remains: If the pension and disability benefits programs were actually functional and worked the way they were supposed to work – while at least matching that of MLB – would any of these window-dressing programs developed and run by hired bureaucrats be necessary? Shouldn’t the objective be to clear the roadblocks and make it easier for the retired players to get access to what’s owed to them rather than have them jump through endless hoops for something that’s not there? (As always, click on each page to enlarge for easier reading.)
Bob Grant
June 29th, 2009 at 4:59 pm #
Imagine if I swiped and ate a “Jaw Bone Breaker” candy from old Mr. Jesse Spicer’s store without paying for it back when I was 6 years old without paying for it. Would I be disqualified from this “Care” program if I didn’t mention that in my application?
Have you seen that television commercial on identity theft? You know the one I’m talking about: The guy in it places his Social Security number on a billboard and they tow it behind a car all over town.
Would any of these characters agree to fill out these forms and give it to the Active Players and the Retired Players?
I’m not comfortable with this crazy application.
Bob Grant
Independent Players Advocate
Dave Pear
June 30th, 2009 at 11:14 pm #
Dear Valerie Cross,
According to one of the disclosure forms I received, you are the HIPAA Privacy Officer for the NFL Player Care Foundation (see page 4). In June of 2007, after the meeting in Washington DC with Gene Upshaw/Roger Goodell and Congress, the NFLPA Leadership posted my personal medical information on their public website (NFPLA.org) in their so-called White Paper WITHOUT my permission. As you must already know, this was a violation of my HIPAA rights.
I called you today (6/30/09) and left a message. Please return my call at your earliest convenience. Thank you
Sincerely,
Dave & Heidi Pear
George Visger
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:04 pm #
Several months ago, I started on this ridiculous paper chase to see if I even qualified for benefits as I was told I was (I have 2 years credited with the 49ers in 80 & 81, and a total of 9 brain surgeries, 3 knees, and grand mal seizures due to concussions). After spending hours (which I don’t have) filling out forms and looking for information they requested, I researched to see how many ex-players have actually received benefits.
Dave Pear is a classic but tragic example of what these blood-sucking jock sniffers have to offer. I have never quit on anything in my life, but decided I must focus on trying to feed my family and hang onto my house before spending any more time on what I know will be mere pennies.
We must all circle the wagons and lean on each other AND the NFLPA until they start taking care of those who actually gave them their jobs.
Dave and all you other warriors out there (and all your families who suffer through our hardships even more than we do): Hang in there, brothers. Something good comes out of everything, and there is a reason for you all bearing the crosses you have all carried so courageously. We ALL feel your pain. I am becoming as active as I possibly can, and have been following that new State of Washington State legislation just passed – HB 1824 Youth Sports – requiring all football coaches from Pee Wee Pop Warner and up, to have completed formal Concussion training. I just fired off letters to my Senators and Assembly folks in CA regarding the above, and will start conducting Coaches Concussion Clinics soon (hey – there’s a crazy idea: Have someone who has actually lived it to teach it and fight for us, unlike these suits we have representing us). Go to the Sports Legacy Institute’s web for more info.
We all need to hang together and I am offering myself in any capacity before I completely lose my ability to think rationally, which may not be that far off.
George Visger
San Francisco 49′ers
Herb Adderley
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:28 pm #
Herb Adderley’s comments from an e-mail to Fourth and Goal and NFL Alumni Board Member, Jerry Kramer:
The struggle for better benefits, and better treatment towards the retired guys is not about me. It’s about ALL of the retired guys, especially the 2062 guys who are involved in the Historic lawsuit. I am about bringing PEACE, and Reconciliation with the current guys so that we can all come under one roof. I met Bruce Laird and was in his company a few times during the trial in San Francisco & during the HBO interview for the Bryant Gumbel show. He has proven to me that he’s about helping and bringing ALL of the retired guys together, therefore, I am with him and 4th & Goal 100%. You guys can count on my support in any way that I can help the cause.
I am also convinced that De Smith is a honest and sincere man. It was a pleasure to meet him during the press conference in DC on June 5th announcing the settlement of the Historic lawsuit. He’s about ALL of us and he will speak for the retired guys if given the chance by the organized group in Florida. I believe that he will improve the benefits for us in the near future.
With De, the current players and the commissioner agreeing to listen to, and do something about the issues, is great for ALL of us. De understands that there is a huge market for the retired guys, and when we ALL come together under one roof, some nice pay days could happen from the marketing opportunities. The use of the NFL Shield, along with the contributions from the owners and the NFLPA will help us to get things started. Without the use of the NFL Shield, and money donated by the owners and the NFLPA, it will be very difficult for the different groups of retired guys to succeed. The guys need to understand that ”TOGETHER WE STAND, & DIVIDED WE FALL.“
Herb Adderley #26