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NFL helps retirees.....

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  • NFL helps retirees.....

    We had a very nice discussion about this topic and problem a while back-- this is the latest I could fine........
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    NFL to increase aid to retired players
    FOXSports.com, Updated 3 hours ago

    CANTON, Ohio - Retired NFL players with physical and mental ailments are about to receive some financial assistance in addressing their needs.

    A plan to help former players receive knee, shoulder and hip replacements will soon be put in place. The program is a collaborative effort of the NFL, NFL Players Association, NFL Alumni and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

    "A lot of guys need replacements but the expense is often prohibitive," a source with knowledge of the details of the program said. "This should help with that."

    The fund will pay for all or a portion of the surgery based on level of financial need. There will be 14 medical centers nationwide chosen by a committee of NFL physicians where surgeries will be performed.

    Another new fund will provide extensive heart and cardiovascular screening for retired players. The results will be given to the player to provide to his own personal physician for further analysis.

    Heart disease, sleep apnea and cardiovascular-related problems have been identified as three of the major medical issues NFL players face once their careers end.

    A program to help retired NFL players in need gain entry into select assisted living facilities also is being finalized. The NFLPA already has established the "88 Program" that provides as much as 88,000 dollars to former players with mental illness.

    One of those players is Gene Hickerson, the former Cleveland Browns guard who is being inducted tonight into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Hickerson, 72, is battling Alzheimer's disease and will be unable to speak at his induction.

    The NFL will fund most of these programs with the NFLPA, NFL Alumni and Hall of Fame also contributing.

    The plans come in response to complaints from a slew of retired players who claim the NFLPA hasn't done enough to medically assist those suffering the effects from having participated in such a violent sport. One of the most outspoken critics is Mike Ditka, who told the Associated Press on Friday that he was boycotting the Hal of Fame ceremony until "they fix the system."

    http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7091 ... 3162&ATT=5

  • #2
    Re: NFL helps retirees.....

    Kudos to Ditka for acting on his beliefs. Im sure his very public boycott of the HOF was a BIG factor in making the league push through something, even though it seems like they're only doing it to stop the bad PR.

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    • #3
      Re: NFL helps retirees.....

      I am glad to see them stepping up to take care of medical needs. I am not a big believer that pensions should be changed because of soaring league profits but I have always felt the league has some responsibilty when it comes to medical issues.
      Wait until next year is a terrible philosophy
      Hope is not a strategy
      RIP

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