Congressman John Conyers Jr
2426 Rayburn Building
Washington DC 20515
202-225-5026
202-225-0072 fax
John.Conyers@mail.house.gov
Honorable Congressman Conyers:
In 1966, the barons of Professional Football appeared before a subcommittee of your predecessor, Congressman Emanuel Cellar’s Judiciary Committee, to request that the National Football League be allowed to merge with the American Football League without losing its Ant-Trust exemption. Their testimony may be seen in the pre-bill notes for PL 89-800, at page 37 of document S. 3817, serial No. 22, dated Oct. 6, 11 and 13, 1966. Although the desired merger would have a profound effect on them, no Pro Football players or union members, no city officials from towns with franchises, and no Pro Football fans were asked to testify.
In Pro Football’s testimony, NFL commissioner Alvin Rozelle and other moguls consistently remarked on the economic significance of their teams to the cities that hosted the, and promised that if the merger were allowed and the Anti-trust exemption upheld:
Our good friend, disability attorney John Hogan, sent out some additional comments about the upcoming NFLPA Exit Symposium in Puerto Rico this May. It’s supposed to be a seminar for retiring players to learn about adapting and transitioning into life after football, complete with employment counselors and psychologists to assist departing players.
Social Security Disability Attorney, John Hogan, has graciously provided a list of tips on How to Obtain Your Social Security Disability Decision. Thanks, John!
“The NFL and the union are no longer adversaries but instead complicit.” When the owners gave the players the power over the money, that took the responsibility away from the owners and put it on the players.
We just received a letter from Fredia Jackson, a close friend of Dwight Harrison. As most of you know, Dwight played in the NFL for 12 years with the Denver Broncos, the Buffalo Bills, the Baltimore Colts and the Oakland Raiders during the old glory days when OJ Simpson was a rising star. Dwight was in the news video with Mike Ditka.
The NFL Alliance, comprised of the NFL, NFL Players Association, Pro Football Hall of Fame and NFL Alumni Association, announced today a further series of improvements to the NFL disability benefits program as part of the Alliance’s continued commitment to address the medical and disability needs of retired NFL players and their families.
