Former Bear Great Appeals to Congress

Espn.com is running a story reporting that several former NFL players, including Bears legend Mike Ditka, have appeared before the United States Congress to ask for their assistance in spurring the NFL to action in putting together a better pension and disability program for retired players.  The players put forth their case to Congress, who may very well become involved if the NFL Player’s Union doesn’t do something to improve the current system.  The NFL Player’s Union continues to claim that the system is fine and Congress doesn’t need to step in.

This is completely ridiculous.  You have players who are homeless, battered beyond the ability to work, who played 20 and 30 years ago, when salaries were not nearly at the level they’re at now.  The system is obviously screwed up.  The NFL basically pays men to suffer debilitating injuries that have been proven to have very unfortunate long term effects to say the least.  I would say it’s most likely not out of the question for NFL players to demand that they receive better benefits after they retire.  It really bears noting here that many men who work in the NFL don’t have an extremely long shelf-life, are put out of the game by some sort of injury, and don’t make a ton of money while they’re in the league.  Something must be done.  The Player’s Union would do itself a favor to do something themselves rather that make Congress get involved.

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Permalink - Posted in General on June 26, 2007 - Post a comment