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Suing the NFL
Outside the Lines (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET, ESPN)
https://youtu.be/ioOOSncm4fk
For years, the NFL’s concussion committee seemed to downplay and even dismiss the long-term risks of concussions. Now, lawsuits have been filed accusing the league of negligence on behalf of as many as 500 players, including Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett, former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon, and former running back Jamal Lewis. The NFL now acknowledges that concussions can lead to long-term problems, but the league has promised to rigorously defend the allegations of fraud. Bob Holtzman speaks with Lewis and former Packer Dorsey Levens about the impact these lawsuits may have on the league.
“Tobacco companies for years downplayed or tried to shoot down any research that showed a causal link between smoking and cancer. And very similarly with the NFL, it essentially spent most of its time trying to downplay the independent research out there that showed the causal link between head injuries in football and long-term cognitive issues.” — Mike McGlamry, Atlanta attorney who has filed multiple lawsuits against the NFL on behalf of former players
“The NFL has long made player safety a priority and continues to do so. Any allegation that the NFL intentionally sought to mislead players has no merit. It stands in contrast to the league’s actions to better protect players and advance the science and medical understanding of the management and treatment of concussions.” – NFL statement, to Outside the Lines
“I think the league would be bankrupt because I think any player who has played in the National Football League — whether he played for 15 or 16 years or whether he played for a year — is going to be standing in line waiting to sue.” — Harry Carson, Giants Hall of Fame linebacker, on what will happen if the NFL loses in court
Giants: Going “All-In”
NFL Countdown (Sunday 10 a.m., ESPN)
https://youtu.be/sc6lGQm6-9g
Two words saved the Giants season: “All In.” During their chapel service prior to the Week 16 game vs. the Jets, local school teacher Gian-Paul Gonzalez from Union City, N.J., delivered a message to the team emphasizing how true commitment to a goal requires one to be “all in.” After the sermon, Gonzalez distributed poker chips to each player, symbols of their total devotion to that principle. Rick Reilly reports on the two words that changed the Giants season.
“Those two words kind of put it into focus, ‘All In.’ And ever since then, everybody, all 53 guys, 46 on game day, they’re all in. And we try to win every Sunday, every single snap, every little battle is all in.” – Dave Tollefson, Giants defensive end
“That’s our motto, that’s what we live by. That’s what we go by here. We feel like at this moment we won’t be denied in any circumstances, so we’re cashing in our poker chips.” – Antrel Rolle, Giants safety
Patriots: All for One
NFL Countdown (Sunday 10 a.m., ESPN)
https://youtu.be/EvM77W1d53E
Flashy, individual player introductions from superstars like Michael Irvin and Ray Lewis were a staple of the Super Bowl. The New England Patriots changed all of that when they demanded to be introduced as a team at Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams. Since then, all Super Bowl teams are introduced as a group. Analyst Tedy Bruschi, a member of that Patriots team, explains.
“The fact that we were so unified, you know, coming out of that tunnel, I think, can be intimidating to any opponent. And, I think it might have played itself out a little bit in that game.” — Damien Woody, former Patriots offensive lineman and current ESPN NFL analyst
“I said, ’Well, look, when the curtains open the whole team is going to run out there. You can introduce whomever you want to introduce.’” — Bill Belichick, on discussing introducing his entire team with officials at Super Bowl XXXVI
Chris Draft: Battling Fate with Love
NFL Countdown (Sunday 10 a.m., ESPN)
https://youtu.be/dE3T1QlcyS4
While playing linebacker for the Carolina Panthers in 2006, Chris Draft met the love of his life, Keasha Rutledge. More than four years after they began dating, doctors diagnosed Rutledge with Stage 4 lung cancer. Despite her fate, Draft married Keasha in November 2011. One month later, she lost her fight with the disease. Jeremy Schaap reports on this story of courage, devotion, and love.
Remembering Negro League Players During Black History Month
ESPN Deportes SportsCenter (Sunday, 11 p.m.)
https://youtu.be/mhf0Y7coRx0
For the last 36 years, February has been designated “Black History Month” in the United States. This month ESPN remembers those who played America’s Pastime in the Negro Leagues during segregation. Forced out of organized baseball not because of their lack of talent but because of the color of their skin, these players, some of the greatest of all time, persevered through the 1920s, 30s and 40s. They often played under horrible conditions and racial tensions, simply for the love of the game, many falling into obscurity once their time on the field was done. ESPN Deportes examines the story of one man’s effort to make sure their mark on the game is never forgotten.
Twelve Things to Know about Tom Brady
ESPN.com
“Brady apparently is a generous guy. He gave each of his teammates, starters and scrubs, a pair of Ugg slippers (Brady endorses the product). For Christmas, he splurged for watches for his offensive linemen. Connolly says the big boys actually look quite stylish in the Uggs, which are known for their furry comfort.”
“We’re probably the best-dressed offensive linemen in the NFL thanks to Tom Brady.” – Dan Connolly, Patriots center
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