Bernie Parrish’s Congressional Testimony
We finally have Bernie Parrish’s testimony before the Congressional Judiciary Committee on concussions which was recently held at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit on January 4, 2010. Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) and his staff did an incredible job of organizing this hearing on such short notice just after the new year. You can still watch the entire 5 hr :22 min hearing in an earlier post by clicking HERE.
.
This is a large video file (over 100 Mb!) and we’ve hosted it at online video host eSnips – we’re clipping it here on our blog. You can also download the entire video to your computer for viewing later.
.
Bernie makes a strong case for more investigations into the League and the Union’s ongoing efforts against retired players. Be sure to watch the first 5 seconds where the New NEW NFL Alumni Executive Director George Martin gets up and leaves the hearing room before Bernie speaks - and Bernie was gracious enough to sit through his earlier speech.
.
.
..
Dave Pear
January 21st, 2010 at 6:15 PM #
Bernie, many thanks for your excellent presentation at this “Official Hearing” at Wayne University Medical School in Detroit Michigan!
The NFL continues to abuse their power and discretion and ALL the leverage is in the hands of the owners.
We tend to forget that Commissioner Roger Goodell and the Director of the NFLPA are just employees and they don’t have the power or the authority that most people think or believe they actually have.
They MUST do “exactly” what they are told to do or they WILL be fired!
Dr. “NO” Ira Casson is also just an employee. Not being truthful under oath when questioned about head injuries is a serious offense. Common sense would tell anyone that football causes head injuries. Head injuries cause memory impairment, dementia and so many other mental illnesses. Why does Dr.”NO” continue to deny the serious effects of repeated blows to the head? Maybe because it’s difficult to be truthful and honest if your salary (and Super Bowl tickets) depends on it?
ALL brain injuries are serious!
Congress, we’re asking for your help and you’re finally hearing us. Thank you! Please – don’t let up because unless you demand and enforce real change, the NFL will continue with their same old whitewash and PR followed with their broken promises.
Sincerely,
Dave & Heidi Pear
Valerie Thomas
January 21st, 2010 at 9:15 PM #
The NFL Commissioner and NFL Players are employed by the Owners. The NFLPA Executive Director is the hired help of the hired help: an employee of the NFL active players.
The players are hired by one owner. 32 owners vote on the Commissioner’s position. Just as many player reps and executive committee members vote on the NFLPA Executive Director and all 1600 players have input.
Many thanks to Congressman John Conyers for helping the NFL Retired Players to balance the power. Nonetheless, much appreciation also to Congresswomen Maxine Waters, Linda Sanchez, Sheila Jackson-Lee, along with their Congressional staff members and attorneys.
Thanks, Bernie, for your undelayed, undenied undying efforts.
Thanks for one voice EACH, Dave!
Valerie Thomas
Independent NFL Retired Players Advocate & Activist
Former NFLPA Research Analyst and Paralegal
Eugene Morris
January 21st, 2010 at 10:05 PM #
Dave,
It’s time to start something. I will be in touch.
Eugene Mercury Morris
Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers
1969 – 1976
Bob Grant
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:27 AM #
As always “I’m riding with Bernie.”
If more of the rest of you will join the Parrish Team, we can go on and get more of the money back that was taken from all of us over the years.
Mercury, it’s good having you back again.
At the Summit in Las Vegas this past May I stated to the Assembly that I felt that it would only be right if the NFL Owners would commit to putting thirty million dollars a year for twelve years into a fund for Retired Players in addition to the contribution that they make now. I see now that there is talk coming from the NFL Alumni that agrees with what I said. My statements were all recorded and are being held by Robert and Dave so what I am saying can be verified.
Join us in watching all of Bernie’s testimony and you’ll understand why he has prevailed for almost fifty years now in this fight for you and all of the other Retired Players. I don’t think that there’s a man among us who could – or would – have done that.
Bob Grant
Parrish Team Member
Independent Players Activist/Advocate
Robert A. Qualls
January 22nd, 2010 at 2:39 AM #
Morning Dave,
I don’t know if you caught this episode on Real Sports.
Click HERE.
Best Regards,
Robert