Voices Heard, Sides Taken: NFL Disability Plan Testimony Stirs Passions on Capitol Hill
As retired players and Union officials met yesterday on Capitol Hill to discuss the medical treatment of retired National Football League players, or rather lack there of, many came seeking more than just answers as to why more then 7,700 retired players have been denied medical treatment. After seeing the lack of support and misuse of more than $80 million, retired NFL players are now seeking answers as to why the union refuses to care for the players as they initially promised.
From back injuries to lingering effects of concussions leading to severe brain injuries, the retired NFL players wonder why they are being denied medical treatment through the league’s disability and pension plans.
Brent Boyd, a former Minnesota Vikings guard, told his story of how several severe concussions have left him with permanent brain damage. Boyd was denied medical compensation because at the time the league did not feel approving disability assistance was necessary for brain injuries. Boyd was surprised and angry at the run-around he was given by the league in order to receive proper medical treatment, which never came.
Boyd is just one of thousands of retired NFL players seeking medical assistance, and answers, as to why they were denied attention for so long. You can read more on yesterday’s hearing here.