NFL Update: More Former Players Sue Over Brain Damage

More than 100 former players sued the National Football League (NFL) on Thursday, May 3rd, 2012, in Atlanta, alleging that the NFL covered-up the dangers of (brain) concussions.

At least 1500 former players are already involved in lawsuits against the NFL over health issues, especially head (brain) injuries suffered during their playing days.

Some are speculating that the recent suicide death of the former great NFL linebacker Tiana Bail "Junior" Seau, Jr. may be tied to injuries suffered during his playing days in the league.

This latest lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Atlanta, alleges, among other things, that the NFL "repeatedly refuted the connection between concussions and brain injury" and "downplayed and misrepresented the issues, and misled the players concerning the risks associated with concussions."

Other similar lawsuits by players against the NFL have been consolidated for a trial in Philadelphia, but no trial date has been set as yet. Former great player-turned actor Alex Karras, who now suffers from dementia, has the Philadelphia plaintiffs.

The filing in Atlanta cites scientific evidence connecting concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative disease that results in memory loss, mood swings and symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease. It points out CTE can only be diagnosed after a patient's death, and 12 cases of CTE have been detected in deceased former players.

[www.upi.com/SportsNew/2012/05/03/MorePlayersSueNFL]