Comments on: Witness List Announced for Congressional Hearing

By: Steve Wilson

Steve Wilson — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:04:28 +0000

I agree with John. Where are the players who can testify first-hand on how the aftermath of their head injuries received during their playing careers in the NFL have affected their lives?

Another stacked deck and snow-job!!!!!

Steve Wilson
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(1976-1985)

By: Frederick 'Rick' Hayes

Frederick 'Rick' Hayes — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:12:21 +0000

I would be interested in a public disclosure of Dan Snyder’s (owner of the Washington Redskins) free ‘Guest’ ticket distribution list for this past Monday’s football game against Philadelphia.

PEACE with ALOHA,
Rick Hayes
L.A. Rams 1974
UW Huskies 1969-1973

By: Dave Pear

Dave Pear — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:05:01 +0000

Thank you, John, for your insightful comment!

You’re right. This IS a legal issue! The basic rights of retired players have been violated and continue to be violated with regard to disability! The current disability debacle by the NFL is illegal.

The NFLPA Leadership has already been convicted in federal court of “breaching their fiduciary duty” in the Players Inc. trial. Surely, they’re also violating their duty on disability.

Why are there no disability attorneys invited to this investigation?

Why has the NFL been able to operate above the law for so long? They play by their own rules. How can they continue to do this and still be allowed their anti-trust exemption?

Their days of this cosmic trickery are numbered!

Sincerely,
Dave & Heidi Pear

By: John Hogan

John Hogan — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:58:29 +0000

This hearing is purportedly about the Legal Issues relating to football head injuries, yet the only witness who is a lawyer is De Smith – and I doubt he knows anything about disability law. As Dave says “This is a legal issue…”

Of the three former/retired players who will testify, each has or has had very successful post-football careers, which would tend to suggest that having concussions does not always result in disability. I am very concerned that Congress, despite their good intentions, will again miss the mark on reform and audit of the NFL disability plan.

John Hogan
Disability Attorney

By: Dave Pear

Dave Pear — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:27:43 +0000

Why was Bernie Parrish invited at 5:00 pm Monday the 26th of October for the Congressional hearings on Wednesday the 28th?

DeMaurice Smith, Roger Goodell, George Martin… are employees of the NFLPA and the NFL respectively and ALL receive large salaries and expense accounts. Their airfare, hotel, meals, etc are all paid for. However, in Bernie Parrish’s case, he has to spend his own money. Is this fair?

This late invitation will make Bernie’s expenses even higher. Why was Bernie invited at the last minute?

When were De Smith, Roger Goodell and George Martin invited?

And who was in charge of assembling the list of invited people to Washington DC?

Sincerely,
Dave & Heidi Pear