On April 4th, representatives of the National Football League acknowledged the need to provide “important improvements in retired player benefits.” They stated it was the “fair” and “right” thing to do in “respect” and “recognition” of their contributions to the game. The League said the retirees “voice” needs to be heard. .
On May 25th, the largest collective group of representatives of retired NFL Players ever assembled met a second time to reach a consensus on a series of united proposals for these needed improvements. .
The League has said that everyone needs to “focus on negotiations” because “there is a deal to be made.” We agree. The retirees therefore unanimously agreed to submit to the League a detailed framework for changes in retiree pensions, medical coverage and benefits, and disability programs. The framework will also include a component of medical monitoring for retirees that is designed to detect or prevent illness or disease at its earliest stages and provide for timely treatment. .
The retirees invite the League to be available for meetings beginning as early as Tuesday, May 31, to discuss this framework, exchange ideas and comments, and be best prepared to reach resolution when mediation formally resumes on June 7th and 8th in Minneapolis. .
As expressed in the April 4th letter from the League to the retirees, the League wished to hear the “voice” of the retirees. We are speaking. It’s now time for the League to listen. .
Any questions concerning this press release should be directed to Michael Hausfeld at Hausfeld LLP (202) 540-7200 or Daniel Mason, Mark Feinberg, or Shawn D. Stuckey at Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason (612) 336-9100. .
Dr. William A. Duncan serves as President of Capitol Strategy Consultants, Inc., where he represents clients on healthcare, biomedical research, veterans, Department of Defense, and criminal justice and public health arenas. His clients benefit from his extensive background in the congressional appropriations process and heath care regulations. . In the medical realm, Dr. Duncan supervised numerous legislative priorities including National Institutes of Health reforms for setting research priorities, expansion on biomedical research infrastructure, AHRQ and evidence-based medicine initiatives, NIH and CDC initiatives in environmental medicine, amputee services, and addressing chronic disease including diabetes and public health. He dealt with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services problems, including getting CMS to approve a new indication for hyperbaric oxygen to reduce diabetic foot amputations, reducing the regulatory burden on health care, prescription drug, and FDA issues. . (Our videos are hosted on Veoh in HD and you can watch them full screen by clicking on the Expand button in the lower right corner of the video window.) To follow the entire slideshow, we suggest starting the video and then opening the slideshow full screen so you can hear the accompanying narration. .
Ed Nemeth, a successful, highly educated and trained businessman with a background in neurological research is the father of a severe quad CP child. Shortly after his daughter Rebecca’s complicated birth and cardiac arrest for 35 minutes he and his wife were presented with the unspeakable-yet-strongly-suggested single choice for their first-born child: Discontinue life support or allow their child to continue brain dead. Devoid of options, the Nemeths discontinued life support; Rebecca rallied and lived. Five years later, through their indefatigable efforts, the Nemeths found HBOT and after a short course of HBOT, their daughter experienced a quantum leap in neuro-cognitive function and significantly improved movement and coordination. . Based on his daughter’s dramatic improvement, Mr. Nemeth vowed to make HBOT available to all of Rebecca’s Friends and to offer parents another choice to removing their children from life support. To do so, he underwrote the “2001 2nd International Symposium on Hyperbaric Oxygenation and the Brain-Injured Child” held in Boca Raton, Florida. . Starting with a personal story in which hyperbaric oxygen therapy played a dramatic role in his daughter’s recovery, Ed also shares his story about meeting George Visger and providing him with HBOT treatment for his longstanding brain concussion damage. Then Ed presents a compelling slideshow with facts on hyperbaric oxygen treatments. . (Our videos are hosted on Vimeo in HD and you can watch them full screen by clicking on the Expand button in the lower right corner of the video window.) To follow the entire slideshow, we suggest starting the video and then opening the slideshow full screen so you can hear the accompanying narration. .
Dr. Barry Sears is a leading authority on the dietary control of hormonal response. A former research scientist at the Boston University School of Medicine and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Sears has dedicated his research efforts over the past 30 years to the study of lipids. He holds 13 U.S. Patents in the areas of intravenous drug delivery systems and hormonal regulation for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. .
Dr. Sears continues his ongoing research as the President of the non-profit Inflammation Research Foundation in Marblehead, MA. In addition to continuing research on the hormonal effects of food, Dr. Sears has expanded his research in developing innovative dietary approaches to treating cancer and neurological conditions, as well as his on-going work in treating neurological disorder, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. .
In his presentation to the Independent Football Veterans, Dr. Sears talks about his ongoing research and studies on inflammation and its correlation with concussions. His Zone Labs most recent focus has been helping athletes diagnose these levels of inflammation and treat them with positive results through individually-tailored combination of diet and supplements. . (Our videos are hosted on Veoh in HD and you can watch them full screen by clicking on the Expand button in the lower right corner of the video window.) To follow the entire slideshow, we suggest starting the video and then opening the slideshow full screen so you can hear the accompanying narration. . . And here’s his Powerpoint presentation on SlideShare: .
Attorney Carl Lopez graduated from Georgetown University Law School in 1975 and is a member of the Washington State Bar and President of Lopez & Fantel, a Seattle law firm. He has been named multiple times to Law and Politics Magazine’s list of Washington Super Lawyers. He’s also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates and Multimillion Dollar Advocates. Selected for “The Best Lawyers in America.” Carl is a certified Contract Advisor, with his first NFL contract negotiation in 1978; among players represented are Jack Thompson and more recently, Robbie Tobeck. . On very short notice, Carl managed to fly in just for the day from Seattle and gives an overview on the current CBA and the Union’s decertification with an emphasis on how it will affect retired players directly. Carl also reveals some fascinating anecdotes from his many years of dealing with the NFLPA and the NFL while representing many players. . (Our videos are hosted on Vimeo in HD and you can watch them full screen by clicking on the Expand button in the lower right corner of the video window.) .
Dr. Michael Propper is the Medical Director of the OsteoArthritis Centers of America and joined the company with over 25 years of experience in Orthopedics and General Medicine. He became Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery in 1986 and also holds a Fellowship in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. He has practiced medicine for over twenty five years. As a double Ivy League educated Physician and Surgeon who also played college football at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Propper has successfully performed over 8,000 surgeries and has treated many thousands of patients with Orthopedic as well all types of age-related medical issues. Dr. Propper graduated from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Propper is well versed in the treatment of all types of medical issues, including hypertension, obesity, male andropause, menopause, fibromyalgia, cholesterol issues, chronic fatigue, ED, MS, Parkinson’s, and many other disease states and age-related issues. .
Dr. Propper and his lovely wife, Suzy, had literally walked off a long overnight flight that had been nearly diverted because of an on-board medical emergency – which he actually managed to resolve mid-flight to avoid another long layover – and managed to take the floor while the airline was still looking for their luggage! Dr. Propper talks about his years of experience in the operating room and in working with thousands of patients’ age-related conditions. . (Our videos are hosted on Vimeo in HD and you can watch them full screen by clicking on the Expand button in the lower right corner of the video window.) .
Steve Reimers was introduced to hyperbarics as a young Naval officer in 1969 and has been designing and building hyperbaric facilities ever since. Presently he runs two companies, Reimers Systems, Inc. (RSI) and Hyperbaric Clearinghouse, Inc. (HCI). RSI is a major installer of monoplace chambers. They have developed liquid cylinder based oxygen supply systems and air ventilation equipment that make it possible to establish a monoplace center nearly anywhere. . Steve gives an excellent primer on the long history of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and its effectiveness in healing. Steve then discusses recent advances in its use for treating brain injuries and efforts needed to get this treatment into mainstream healthcare. . (The videos are hosted on Vimeo in HD and you can watch them full screen by clicking on the Expand button in the lower right corner of the video window.) .
James K. Wright, MD, Col, USAF (Ret) is the principal investigator for the National Brain Injury Rescue and Rehabilitation Trial (NBIRR) in which individuals with TBI or PTSD can receive hyperbaric oxygen treatment for their injuries. He recently retired from the Air Force where was the group surgeon for the 720th Special Tactics Group, Air Force Special Operations Command, and prior to that time directed hyperbaric research for the Air Force. He is board certified in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine. .
At our IFV Conference, Dr. Wright discusses his ongoing studies on the dramatic successes with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treating wounded troops coming back from the Middle East. He points out the striking similarities between military studies and the recent discoveries made in treating the effects of concussions in professional football players. . (The videos are hosted on Vimeo in HD and you can watch them full screen by clicking on the Expand button in the lower right corner of the video window.) .
George Visger, 52, earned the ultimate prize in professional football: a championship with the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XVI in 1982. The former defensive tackle also bagged an Orange Bowl victory while playing with the University of Colorado. .
But now he’s paying the ultimate price for all those years on the gridiron. After thousands of on-field hits to his head, hydrocephalus, and multiple brain surgeries, he is struggling with memory problems. And he receives absolutely NO benefits whatsoever – pension or disability – from the NFL in spite of his Super Bowl ring because he doesn’t meet their arbitrary 3-year vesting rule! .
George is currently an environmental consultant in California. . Dan Bunz is a former American Football linebacker who played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions in an eight-year career that lasted from 1978 to 1985 in the National Football League. .
As a linebacker for the 49ers in Super Bowl XVI, he made one of the most famous defensive tackles ever witnessed. On a critical 3rd-and-goal from the one-yard line, Anderson passed to Charles Alexander in the right flat, but Bunz came up fast, grabbed the receiver around the waist, and hurled him backward before he could break the plane of the goal line. “The Stop” is regarded as “The Best Thing Witnessed On TV Ever.” He was a member of the San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XIX winning teams. .
Dan currently teaches Physical Education at Sutter Middle School in Sacramento. He also teaches people of all ages in being healthy and fit. .
Here are George and Dan telling the audience about the reality of their lives after football with an emphasis on the long-term effects of concussions and the failed disability process and system that the NFL and the NFLPA continue to impose on its retired employees. .
Ron Mix played right tackle and guard for the American Football League’s Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers (1960–1969) and the NFL Oakland Raiders (1971& 1972). Because he had a Juris Doctor in Law degree, Mix was nicknamed “The Intellectual Assassin” for his physical play. Mix was called for a mere two holding penalties in ten years. Ron was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 along with Dick Butkus and Johnny Unitas. .
After football, Ron transitioned into law. He currently specializes in Workers’ Compensation cases for professional athletes in many sports arenas and provided a Workers Compensation 101 overview for our retired players. . (Our videos are hosted on Vimeo in HD and you can watch them full screen by clicking on the Expand button in the lower right corner of the video window.) .
Bob Stein is a two-time All-American and Super Bowl champion. Stein at age 21 was the YOUNGEST player to ever play in a Super Bowl. Stein graduated in the top 10% of the University of Missouri – Kansas City Law School, having attended while playing full time for the Chiefs. Stein was the first president and CEO of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves, a position he held until 1995. He was a long-time sports agent before becoming President of the Timberwolves, and is a licensed attorney. Additionally, he was appointed to the Minnesota Boxing Commission in December 2007 by Governor Tim Pawlenty. .
Bob is currently an attorney practicing in Minneapolis MN and involved with his long-time friend and associate, Bucky Zimmerman, in the NFL Films class action lawsuit on behalf of retired NFL football players – Dryer v. NFL – and will be providing an update with his associate in the lawsuit, Bucky Zimmerman. . Bucky Zimmerman, one of two founding partners of Zimmerman Reed, is a nationally recognized leader in complex and class action litigation. He frequently speaks at industry conferences as well as CLE’s. During more than 30 years of practice, Bucky has successfully represented hundreds of thousands of clients through individual actions and nation-wide class actions in significant and demanding cases involving the tobacco industry, defective drug cases, and shareholder suits. He currently serves as Co-Lead Plaintiffs’ Counsel in Baycol, Guidant, Medtronic, and Zicam MDLs. .
Bucky and Bob discuss their current class action lawsuit on behalf of retired players vs NFL Films (Dryer vs NFL Films). Bucky also gives a pragmatic overview on winning vs. losing as well as some practical advice on how lawsuits really work. . (Our videos are hosted on Vimeo in HD and you can watch them full screen by clicking on the Expand button in the lower right corner of the video window.) .
Posted with the express consent of Evan Weiner: THE BUSINESS AND POLITICS OF SPORTS
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24 March 2011 .
BY EVAN WEINER
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM COMMENTARY .
Washington Post sports columnist Sally Jenkins asked a question in a column written after the NFL lockout started on March 11. It was a simple query that the writer could not answer. “Where is it written that (NFL) owners are entitled to the lion’s share of revenues from structures we help build and support?”
On April 4th, representatives of the National Football League acknowledged the need to provide “important improvements in retired player benefits.” They stated it was the “fair” and “right” thing to do in “respect” and “recognition” of their contributions to the game. The League said the retirees “voice” needs to be heard.
Dr. Barry Sears is a leading authority on the dietary control of hormonal response. A former research scientist at the Boston University School of Medicine and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Sears has dedicated his research efforts over the past 30 years to the study of lipids. He holds 13 U.S. Patents in the areas of intravenous drug delivery systems and hormonal regulation for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Michael Propper is the Medical Director of the OsteoArthritis Centers of America and joined the company with over 25 years of experience in Orthopedics and General Medicine. He became Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery in 1986 and also holds a Fellowship in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. He has practiced medicine for over twenty five years. As a double Ivy League educated Physician and Surgeon who also played college football at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Propper has successfully performed over 8,000 surgeries and has treated many thousands of patients with Orthopedic as well all types of age-related medical issues. Dr. Propper graduated from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Propper is well versed in the treatment of all types of medical issues, including hypertension, obesity, male andropause, menopause, fibromyalgia, cholesterol issues, chronic fatigue, ED, MS, Parkinson’s, and many other disease states and age-related issues.
James K. Wright, MD, Col, USAF (Ret) is the principal investigator for the National Brain Injury Rescue and Rehabilitation Trial (NBIRR) in which individuals with TBI or PTSD can receive hyperbaric oxygen treatment for their injuries. He recently retired from the Air Force where was the group surgeon for the 720th Special Tactics Group, Air Force Special Operations Command, and prior to that time directed hyperbaric research for the Air Force. He is board certified in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.
George Visger, 52, earned the ultimate prize in professional football: a championship with the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XVI in 1982. The former defensive tackle also bagged an Orange Bowl victory while playing with the University of Colorado.
Dan Bunz is a former American Football linebacker who played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions in an eight-year career that lasted from 1978 to 1985 in the National Football League.
Ron Mix played right tackle and guard for the American Football League’s Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers (1960–1969) and the NFL Oakland Raiders (1971& 1972). Because he had a Juris Doctor in Law degree, Mix was nicknamed “The Intellectual Assassin” for his physical play. Mix was called for a mere two holding penalties in ten years. Ron was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 along with Dick Butkus and Johnny Unitas.
Bob Stein is a two-time All-American and Super Bowl champion. Stein at age 21 was the YOUNGEST player to ever play in a Super Bowl. Stein graduated in the top 10% of the University of Missouri – Kansas City Law School, having attended while playing full time for the Chiefs. Stein was the first president and CEO of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves, a position he held until 1995. He was a long-time sports agent before becoming President of the Timberwolves, and is a licensed attorney. Additionally, he was appointed to the Minnesota Boxing Commission in December 2007 by Governor Tim Pawlenty.
Bucky Zimmerman, one of two founding partners of Zimmerman Reed, is a nationally recognized leader in complex and class action litigation. He frequently speaks at industry conferences as well as CLE’s. During more than 30 years of practice, Bucky has successfully represented hundreds of thousands of clients through individual actions and nation-wide class actions in significant and demanding cases involving the tobacco industry, defective drug cases, and shareholder suits. He currently serves as Co-Lead Plaintiffs’ Counsel in Baycol, Guidant, Medtronic, and Zicam MDLs.
