Quote:He was a tough player, he did have some major injuries early in the career that had some people slapping him with an unfair nickname.

 

As far as his current situation, I think doctors should be straight with the players and not mislead them BUT players claim to know the consequences of playing and (along with the short careers) are the arguments the player's union uses to justify the high salaries.
 As a player, I think you should understand and accept the fact that you might have some lingering medical issues later in life.  With that said, the league and the doctors should do everything they can to minimize those and provide assistance if there are more than minor concerns.  Sounds like they may not be doing that for Freddie (never even heard of the line of duty benefit).

 

It was my impression that the NFLPA used the Total Revenue by the League to justify and determine the player's salaries, not the short career and consequences. And is it really a fair / just / good thing to assume that a 20 year old is going to be able to properly assess the risk associated with a playing career? This, on top of the fact that a professional gave advice that was contrary to the patients well-being.

 

All in all, the system needs shoring up at the least and a complete overhaul at most. The medical professionals employed by the League need to be independent of, and answerable to their patients only. Not the owners or League who are simply financially bound to the players.

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