Occupational Diseases: Former NFL Players Unhappy with NFL's Treatment of Injured Retirees

Several former NFL football players are questioning why the NFL does not do more to provide health care for its former employees. Mike Ditka, the former coach of the Chicago Bears, spoke about the problem at the Super Bowl. Ditka refused to attend the NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony in protest of the NFL's lax policies.

Former NFL players unhappy with league's treatment of injured retirees

Former Los Angeles Rams guard Denis Harrah said that his former teammate, Gary Dunn, has suffered several medical conditions that were a consequence of his time in the NFL. Dunn likely will also need to have a leg amputated. Dunn has been unable to qualify for disability through the NFL; he has already been turned down 12 times. In addition to his physical ailments, Dunn suffers from Alzheimer's, dementia, and depression; all of these conditions are linked to brain injuries that often are suffered while playing contact sports. "It's such a tragedy that we have to deal with no health insurance," Harrah said. "All we want is a fair share. I come from West Virginia. The coal miners today took care of the coal miners that have black lung. You know what, that's all we're asking for."