Concussions have become a major headache for the NFL. A new lawsuit being filed by Clinton Portis, Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and Daunte Culpepper, along with 80 other ex-players may upgrade it to a migraine.
The lawsuit claims that the NFL hid the serious effects multiple head injuries can have on the futures of its players, and alleges that the league failed to protect its players from serious harm.
Portis, who played in the NFL for nine years for the Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins claims to have suffered double-digit concussions during his time as an NFL running back. Speaking with CBS Sports, Portis is quoted as saying, "I can't put an exact number on it. I just know it was a lot. I stopped counting at some point."
He described the frequency of his head injuries in that interviews, telling CBS:
"It was just the way things were at the time. I'd get hit hard and be woozy. I'd be dizzy. I'd take a play off and then go back in. Sometimes when I went back into the game, I still couldn't see straight. This happened all the time. Sometimes once or twice a game."
Portis and his crew are not the only ex-NFLers suing the league. Over 5,000 players are taking action against the NFL with regards to their handling of the concussion issue, and Deadspin.com reports that this lawsuit is likely to be merged with the many others of its ilk.
Deadspin also reported that last year a District Court judge ordered the league and the plaintiffs into mediation, and will rule on whether the suits will proceed on September 3rd.
Portis' inclusion in this suit is somewhat strange, though. In that same CBS interview he claimed to have retired at the perfect time, at age 31.
"I have a few aches and pains," he said, "nothing major. None of the, 'I can't stand up or walk' stuff. I got away from the game at the perfect time. To be 31 and retired and spending time with my kids, I love it."
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