Harvard Receives $100 Million from NFL Players Union to Study Brain Injuries
Football injuries — especially traumatic brain injuries — have been making headlines, especially in the wake of several high-profile incidents of former National Football League (NFL) football players who have committed suicide and were thought to have been victims of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) suffered during their careers.
Now, the National Football League Players Association (the NFL players union) has given Harvard University $100 million dollars for a decade-long study to look at former NFL players, with the aim of developing strategies to limit long-term brain damage.
Researchers have found that a TBI suffered while playing football is not just limited to the pros, and that steady small blows to the brain can lead to a condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This condition can lead to difficulties in concentration and can eventually lead to dementia.
Junior Seau, an all-pro linebacker who played in the NFL for 20 years, was the most recent high-profile suicide by an ex-NFL player. It was found that he had suffered from CTE. Seau’s family is suing the NFL, claiming that injuries he suffered during his career led to his suicide.
The league is facing more than 2,000 lawsuits from former players who claim the NFL hid information about the risks of chronic brain injury.
The dean of Harvard Medical School indicated in a written statement that the study would not only benefit NFL players, but players at all levels. “Millions of kids and college athletes play football, formally and informally. We cannot afford to ignore the health risks associated with this sport,” he said.
The Gainesville traumatic brain injury lawyers at Farah & Farah believe that any study designed to educate athletes and their families about TBIs and then limit the scope of long-term devastating outcomes can only be beneficial. If you or a loved one believes you have suffered a brain injury due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us online or call us at (800) 533-3555 to see if you have a case.
