

Daryl Johnston joins fight for disabled NFLers, appeals to Goodell

Discussion in 'NFL Zone' started by ConcordCowboy, Aug 20, 2007.

  1. ConcordCowboy

    ConcordCowboy Mr. Buckeye

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    Johnston joins fight for disabled NFLers, appeals to Goodell










    The biggest problem facing the ex-players is a lack of leverage. Because they are represented by a union whose primary concern is current players, all the exes can do is what Johnston did Monday _ appeal for public sympathy. They're hoping enough of an outcry will push everyone to "do the right thing," which happens to be the Gridiron Greats' motto.


















    Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
  2. AbeBeta

    AbeBeta Well-Known Member

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    Until I see some current players willing to give the kind of money it will take to pay for this coverage (like 15&#37; of each active player's paycheck) then it is all just talk.

    Covering ex-players is a nice story but it is WAY too expensive to be handled without a major outlay of cash.
  3. Scotman

    Scotman Member

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    I think I disagree with you this time. I think the NFL, the owners and the NFLPA all need to fix this. When these guys can't get insurance or afford insurance to cover medical expenses, the system needs to change. Keep in mind that a lot of these guys played at a time when they were not getting rich. Even if they retired with a few hundred thousand dollars, which would be a huge amount considering what many of them made, it could be gone in a single weekend if things go poorly.

    I also blame the agents. They ought to be negotiating for long-term comprehensive health insurance as part of their players contracts.
  4. FuzzyLumpkins

    FuzzyLumpkins The Boognish

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    They should just make it so that if you plaed in the league for more than 4 years or something like that you get to vote on union representatives. That would fix this issue very quickly.
  5. Scotman

    Scotman Member

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    Not really a bad idea if you as me. Or something like that. Some partial vote. Something to give them a voice.
  6. AbeBeta

    AbeBeta Well-Known Member

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    Sure -- but folks need to understand the incredible costs here -- these guys are nearly uninsurable - if you are talking pensions on top of that then current players would have far less cash.

    The owners had to have their arms twisted to give as much cash to players as they did in the last deal - you aren't going to get them jumping into line to pay money out to player who NO LONGER EARN THEM A RED CENT.
  7. Scotman

    Scotman Member

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    I can't argue with any of that. I see your point. I have no idea what the solution is, but they need to find one.

    All that said, my mom doesn't have insurance either and never made more than about 12 thousand a year. She wore her legs out and broke her back (literally) waiting tables and no one is clamoring to get her decent medical care.
  8. burmafrd

    burmafrd Well-Known Member

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    The NFL needs to go to one of the major insurance companys and make a deal. We give you lots of publicity in return for insuring our former players. It can be done and SHOULD be done. Sure the players and owners would have to kick in but not as much as some think now.
  9. superpunk

    superpunk Benched

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    I don't understand what this means, or what Johnston thinks Goodell can do. The players association and the owners would have to agree on a specific amount to contribute to a fund, and then agree on how to administer it. Goodell can try to mediate and push for more money, but I would think that's about it.

    And burmafrd - that is actually a heck of an idea, I think. Free enormous publicity in exchange for medical coverage for retirees? The initial announcement by itself would be golden and a huge amount of public goodwill would go out to the insurance company.

    Then....there might not be so much goodwill when that insurance company raises it's rates on every Tom, Dick and Harry who need medical coverage across the nation because they're covering thousands of NFL retirees pro bono.
  10. AbeBeta

    AbeBeta Well-Known Member

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    What you describe is a major societal problem - the cure shouldn't be limited for former NFL players
  11. AbeBeta

    AbeBeta Well-Known Member

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    and Bingo was his name-o

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