Monday, January 18, 2010

Statement from Concerned Retired NFL Players after meeting Friday in Washington

"Individual owners and teams have spent exactly nothing on retired player benefits. In fact, until the NFLPA and the Retired Players Association pushed them this year, they have even denied the long term consequences of concussions suffered while playing football. We have asked George Martin to ask the NFL, "Why?" The elected representatives of the retired players have asked George by letter and invited him to this retired players meeting today. He has refused to answer and refused to attend. We want to know why the teams contribute nothing to retired players and why $31 million profit per club isn't enough. The simple fact is the teams sell the legacy of retired players, but pay nothing for it. Every fan should know that as they look at their stadiums ring of fame, none of those players have received a dime from the teams since their last play. George Martin knows that better than anyone.

Jean Fugett, Chair

NFLPA Retired Players Steering Committee and former Dallas Cowboy and Washington Redskin

Nolan Harrison, Steering Committee

Former Pittsburgh Steeler, Former Oakland Raider, Former Washington Redskin

Mike McBath, Orlando Chapter President

Former Buffalo Bill

Isiah Robertson, Dallas Chapter President

Former Buffalo Bill

Charles Mann,

Former Washington Redskin and Superbowl Player

Brig Owens,

Former Washington Redskin

Ray Schoenke,

Former Washington Redskin

Ken Valdisserri,

Gridiron Greats

Don Jackson, Sports Agent

Clark Gaines, Assistant Executive Director,

Former New York Jet, Former Kansas City Chief

Andre Collins, NFLPA Retired Players,

Former Washington Redskin, Former Detroit Lion, Cincinnati Bengal, Chicago Bear

DeMaurice F. Smith, Executive Director

NFL Players Association

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