Former NFL players speak out about race-based concussion damage assessment | Nightline

Players say the league’s program treats Black players differently than white player when determining concussion payouts.
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[@pkflyers]

This sounds tough. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. NFL needs to step up

[@jimparsons9454]

NFL will never do anything about it until it hurts their wallets.

[@svenmsandity2977]

this sort of thing is why i watch baseball i dont support you going off and ruining yourself on my tax payer dollar when clearly no ones willing to take responsibility or fight for it counting there are much bigger issues

[@TheShpmusic]

This is terrible. Pain is very disgusting and unhealthy. I wish you many success with your health.🙏

[@svenmsandity2977]

the issue i have is all the hypocrisy a story like this would of gone ignored for the most part pre covid but sense a bunch of people started staying home now its time to actually give a dam

[@southernbelle4398]

That's the legal loophole BS allowing them to Deny. Tell that to Seau, who went to USC. If they weren't diagnosed in school w/ a disability, graduated college, then there's no need for norms. Pay these men what they deserve, or at least set it up to where they have a retirement plan to take care of their families. Sweet Jesus!

[@bluesky7333]

They do have a retirement plan. 3 of them. Pension, 401k and annuity. Players make a lot of money durijg their playing days and most don't think about after football. Most save nothing.

[@1maripaul]

My son played from age 8 thru high school. He was very good & we had hoped he'd go into college ball. His years playing from 1996 to 2007. He lost interest during high school and technology started taking over, gaming etc. I'm so happy after hearing about CTE and all the issues players have been having b4 rule changes. Still going to have these injuries, especially on defense players. So sad about Henry and now Keith mccants

[@GEOMETRICINK]

Same. My husband played football. Loved it. I’m so thankful these medical advances were made BEFORE we allowed our son to play this sport. Coaches at his schools are always after him, even at 11, to play football. He’s a big kid, an athletic kid, fast, etc. but he WILL NOT play football. Ever. He chose martial arts instead. No head injury required to get a black belt.

[@puffandpass1364]

It all started with Mike Webster. All pro Pittsburgh Steelers. Jr. Seau committed suicide all pro San Diego linebacker. So many concussions through the years.

[@sarahalbers5555]

And then we have Aaron Hernandez. This is real. Shame on the NFL. With all.the money they make, the should support their players, retired or not.

[@derronmarshall3349]

Kellen winslow, najee davenport

[@sarahalbers5555]

Maybe Lyle Alzado. He was AFU. I think he died of a brain tumor, but he had major CTE symptoms. He played for the Oakland Raiders.

[@puffandpass1364]

+@@sarahalbers5555 Years of steroids took their toll. He was great in his day with the Denver Broncos.

[@puffandpass1364]

+@@derronmarshall3349 Oh No! Kellen Winslow is Gone? The best tight end in history? Please say it is not so. I loved him as much as Franco Harris and Earl Campell in my youth.

[@Jo0pishere]

Not a good look for the NFL. 😳

[@svenmsandity2977]

crap like this wouldn't of even made the news if things where normal because of how little people care

[@2KGrind09]

this the part of the NFL I was never a fan of ...... it's a meat market.

[@hypnos2794]

It is, but so are a lot of sports. Headers in soccer are pretty brutal. Combat sports (because of constant sparring mostly). Rugby, Hockey, etc. So many sports are dangerous, it's probably less dangerous to parachute everyday than it is to play most competitive sports. It's why we need new tech like better helmets, rule changes but fans usually don't play the sports so they don't really care.

[@playsball]

Race Norming? That's the most outrageous thing I've ever heard!!! I hope he gets the help he needs and continues to fight for what's right!

[@Kyle-bv6di]

that's outrageous, why don't you tell all the psychologists & other medical professionals that their work they've backed thousands of times is outrageous.. in which position are you to say if it is correct or not? Their has been proven to be a clear difference in cognitive function between races. idiot.

[@Kyle-bv6di]

@Jamari 123 partly true but it's undeniable science. so regardless of if you like it or not I don't think that changes anything. Also, I don't concern myself as a net avg of my race, I have a lot higher expectations for my people.

[@dellelkin8311]

❤❤❤, The NFL Needs to Step Up 😢😢😢

[@eddy66t6]

Just so happens that more African Americans play in the NFL...so the NFL HAPPEN to use a test that makes African Americans less likely to get compensation for concussions, thereby avoiding paying a majority of their players compensation for their injuries. Absolutely despicable from the NFL

[@alyciacooper2]

So white concussion claims are approved and black concussion claims are denied. F the Super Bowl. I was planning on watching it until now.

[@monkeydimension472]

Black concussion claims are accepted its just a lot harder.

[@alyciacooper2]

@@monkeydimension472 we all know. Due to racism.

[@naderfikry2636]

No. Its the same. Check out George Andrie. Tried teaming up with other players to sue the nfl for cte and lost. Twice. He died never being compensated. And he was white.

[@xxsamlovexx]

I had no idea about this, how outrageous... needs to change. 💔

[@Kyle-bv6di]

there's clear cognitive differences, this is scientific, you people cry about not having race-based BMI & some other tests yet when doctors do this correctly you are mad? foolish

[@carltonbanks5470]

@@Kyle-bv6di "Scientific" according to what? Most educated "science" I've read says race is purely social. Biological "race" does not exist. So where do you get your "science" from?

[@carltonbanks5470]

@Trevor Sode There are cognitive differences between "races" according to what?

[@Kyle-bv6di]

@@carltonbanks5470 skull shape, bone density, mri scans, muscle fibers, muscle strength, muscle building, IQ, facial structure. your "science" isn't scholarly it's just a bunch of sociology majors lol

[@carltonbanks5470]

@@Kyle-bv6di Well...since an international panel of anthropologists, geneticists, sociologists, and psychologists decided race is just a social construct way back in 1950, sociology majors would know what their talking about huh dummy? But we do know scientifically that lack of melanin is detrimental to human physiology. 😁

[@jason4275]

I cant imagine how terrible it must be for black College players that never made it to the NFL with no money to treat their injuries.

[@rosalieponce8426]

Blessings to you sir ... God be with you for justice 🙏🏼

[@jimparsons9454]

This will happen to all NFL players in some form or another and the worst part is that it started when they played at peewee.

[@sylentknight]

dang, Henry was the first player from my high school to play division 1 football @ Mississippi State, needless to say was also the first and only to play in the NFL. also helped lead us to the state championship game back in 1987. Just a steep price to pay for playing the game you love.

[@enriquettae9165]

AHHHHHH here is the second half!!? WHY ABC NEWS do you post half segments? So frustrating!

[@keyoncesable]

It’s crazy they did an interview on this then 2 months later, Former 49ers Philip Adams did what he done in Rock Hill SC... 🙄

[@jenniferbrock2850]

"White people should be upset too!" I am furious!!! This is shameful and pitiful and disgusting and wrong and I am so sorry to these people who are deliberately treated differently because of skin color!

[@CR-un4gd]

There’s more black players in the nfl. No one forced them to play in the nfl.

[@naderfikry2636]

Its utter bs. They all lost that lawsuit back in 2017,2018. 100s of men both black and white. I knew one former player personally. He was white. He lost.

[@yeerrr2726]

@@CR-un4gdI think the issue is about giving them their just do like they give everyone else

[@CR-un4gd]

@@yeerrr2726 post nfl they all get the same treatment from the nfl they’re all seen as cattle no one cares for them after they retire which is why they have to be smart with their money.

[@peteremwells]

This is a pretty sick practice.

[@NaturalElicia]

I've never been a football fan it always look painful seeming them in action on the field and I understand people have a love for it but its not a good health outcome if you get serious injuries.

[@F5_cena]

NFL is disgusting of how they treated him

[@DJayFres]

I understand I am going through the same issue as Well 💯

[@toybonniethebunny5444]

🙏

[@elourdepierre7936]

Father God, I pray that justice is done for these football players. Because everyone knows that playing football is not joke. The damaging blows to the head that they received; does cause long term health issues. These doctors will be punished, for their inability to make better judgment when it comes to black injuries.

[@teelee4097]

Lol yeah ok god is going to intervene in lawsuits for rich or at least well to do ex pro athletes but continues to ignore all the kids in Africa STARVING TO DEATH with big stomachs and flies all over them that we've been seeing on infomercials since we were all toddlers! You religious people are dumber than dumb or your god is racist.

[@markrouse2416]

There is a reason why the NFL commissioner always has a law degree.

[@shesheshe9389]

Where is part 2? Great reporting!

[@russfolts4531]

I'm glad I'm old, I would not want to raise a family, or be young in this current society.

[@rooseveltthomas72]

Black people need to start they own league period

[@russfolts4531]

Maybe segregation was a good thing. MLK may have been wrong.

[@marshmello6636]

@@russfolts4531 yeah

[@kbengson9163]

Secondary football leagues never work out, XFL, Arena League etc.

[@pocketlinttreasures33]

Why don't they start scanning players brains upon starting in the NFL? That way they have a proper comparison later on in life if needed. If I was a player, I would have this done anyways.

[@aleenapaul9427]

I believe it cannot be found through a scan.

[@bluesky7333]

They do conduct a wonderlic test for all players when coming into the league. Maybe this is why they do it - so it can be used for their advantage on the back side. Avg score for black players is 19, and for white players is 27.

[@mysonteame2734]

I wish you all the best your a great man & son & friend& .

[@SexiSelextivSunShine]

Your in my prayers!!! I hope he wins the settlement! 🙏🏻 Race has nothing to do with it! NFL needs to step up! This is so wrong!!! Shame on the NFL!!! Bless Dr. Goldman!

[@jeanpaulcrisologo1947]

you would think that this day and age, especially in the NFL that race wouldn't be an issue. But it seems to me that race plays a bigger and bigger part of our deteriorating society. It's absolutely sad. Somethings gotta change.

[@sonicthehedgehog5360]

Man I feel bad for this guy ill prey for him 🙏

[@samanthaweston5749]

This is utterly outreageous, and quite frankly disgusting. Those poor poor men, it makes me sick to my stomach, how the hell can a major institution still be SO backwards in their thinking. I'm so sorry they are having to go through this injustice.

[@bluesky7333]

Doesn't seem right any way you slice it. How could they use this and how would the NFLPA approve this? Doesn't make any sense. Are they using the Wonderlic scores to create this correction?? They must. According to the NFL, Black players score an avg of 19 on the Wonderlic test and white players 27.

[@marih3286]

Maybe all black players, their families and their supporters should sit out a month of games. I would be interested in re results...

[@user-gu6vf3je1d]

They should never even consider playing for the league if you ask me. It kinda proves their point that they keep participating.

[@user-sl5ru1nf4g]

@@user-gu6vf3je1d yes stop black ppl from playing as if u people don’t already complain about the 13/52 if black people stop playing that 13/52 becomes a 13/70

[@GEOMETRICINK]

I’m confused. Black or white. These football players all had the same life experiences. All played throughout high school. All graduated high school. All went on to college. Played in college. All graduated college. Saying black people are naturally less intelligent is ridiculous. These men, all races, went through the same educational experiences. This is obvious racism meant to not payout certain people.

[@lora3530]

They need to give him what rightly belongs to him my prayer is that you will what belongs to you. It should not matter what color anyone is , You deserve it just as much as the next person.

[@top6ear]

As a Canadian i often wonder why race is a factor in anything? There are people who exploit this issue in America and by constantly playing the race card it gives the haters fuel. Treat a man like a man.

[@johnsimmons6723]

But people get mad when these guys get big contracts. Get your money man

[@leomallard9358]

This CTE evaluation process sounds like pseudoscience to me. It’s dehumanizing, and must be changed to ensure that CTE assessments are fair and equitable. Arbitrary standards are used to limit liability and compensation at the expense of the players’ welfare. Shame!

[@juliusmoore2176]

This is why some players hold-out when wanting a new contract.

[@Mromellette]

And this people why: Europeen soccer is better pays more and less risk Tennis Baseball Nba basketball Golf They all pay better lmao and less risk ... Yet people go with the sports that have more concussions than the heavyweight ufc championship

[@kbengson9163]

All those on your list are boring and they do not necessarily pay more,but the risk is null compared to the NFL.

[@kdeet3566]

So they never thought that all of those injuries and concussions would catch up with them? It sounds like they’ve done this to themselves.

[@bluesky7333]

Playing the victim when things don't go our way doesn't mean there is evidence of racism. Only the very rare few can say that things always happened in their favor.

[@victoriastone2975]

Shame on you NFL!!! I pray they choose to change their approach, immediately. Take care all, from the UK 🇬🇧

[@shakeyjakes0031]

The UK Gay

[@serenitysimplepleasuremobi6490]

This is so sad..... but true🤬

[@Dom-jx5ub]

This is so sad shame on the NFL

[@mrs.reeves1006]

Do players not consider the risks, weigh all the options before signing million dollar contracts? They are a product once they put pen to paper.

[@deannedflrocks5337]

The liability insurance for NFL players should be equal and fair.

[@BuddhaGBahia]

Insane that this isn't more known

[@tiffanyjackson5790]

That’s crazy

[@JamesYoungEZJ211]

Imagine that 🤬

[@makeracistsafraidagain]

Why am I not surprised?

[@mediaoutlook3803]

I feel that every player have the right to retire whenever they want. I know theres contract but all players can leave the league when they're ready. Be smart. I know if i get hurt too many times ill stop playing before it gets too bad. They make way too much money early on to keep playing. Take that money use it wisely.

[@nubiancutie5972]

My Dad played in the 70's and didn't get as much money as they get today. He suffered with all kinds of repercussions such as CTE, Parkinsons and Dementia. He passed in May 2022.

[@TheWorldisSoDivided]

Evidence?

[@TONI-Bonjour]

this is sad every "American family" , loves to watch it with there family but when something likes this happen you don't hear about it , just sad. Quotations around American family because most do , but I don't.

[@rikahicks8193]

Hang in there bruh 🙏🏽

[@yahslove4334]

I'm getting so sick of the NFL between the rigged games, forcing politics and now the gay agenda. Then players like this who put their health on the line for our entertainment only to be cast aside when he needs help. I don't know if I can any longer support the NFL or people putting their bodies through this kind of abuse.

[@Datnigga7]

Imagine how many concussions these guys have from high school, college, NFL..

[@jackprecip5389]

Obviously, there's only so much you can know about a person from a succinct TV clip, but Kevin Henry's wife seems like a sweetheart. Whatever pain and suffering he endures; I hope he at least appreciates that. Some players when they hit the skids both mentally and financially see their wives dump them and try and take whatever they have left. Once again, I don't really know the woman, but it seems in her eyes that she genuinely cares and loves her husband and is going to stand by him in his troubles. Then again, he might get so far gone that he starts beating her, then she needs to get the heck out of there.

[@barbraharvey9251]

The one nuro doctor said something along the lines "one brain functions the same as the other". If that were true there would be no mental illness or people with learning disabilities.

[@mrorangeDenver]

I just came back to see if YT deleted my comment. Yep. It did. This is becoming really stupid. I test type something nice and it gets deleted.

[@shelleywright7474]

I'm praying for all you retired, neglected NFL players 🙏🙏

[@evelyncook7754]

You have to get a Attorney to win any lawsuits😢

[@themodernglory]

Hey man Henry All the very best man true true

[@bellalinda663]

These players sacrifice their lives playing The Game. For each attack on the field it's a risk. Imagine, getting hit on his brain over the years. The brain shifts or swell. The same for Boxers each blow they take to the head. All team members should be treated equally regardless of The Race. So, does the White get approved for disability. Supposed to the Black. No, one in these profession should be denied of Disability. Especially,when they put their lives on line and at risk. So, they pay for surgery's not for approval of their Disability. Ty, to All Player's for your participation in your Sports. NFL Players and Boxers you Men are All Champion's and Sacrifice yourselves to entertain Us. Your Fans. May God bless you All and Heal you in all your discomfort. Watch over you and your entire family 🙏 Stay safe 😷

[@jackprecip5389]

I'm sorry, but your post is ridiculous. You make it sound like these were draftees going into a war zone. These were spoiled athletes from middle school to college, having their academic tests taken for them, private tutors, special treatment, etc, then they VOLUNTARILY decided to play in the NFL for MILLIONS AND MILLIONS of dollars, more money in a year than many hard working people make in a lifetime. They all know the danger of playing pro ball, long term injuries and chronic pain, dementia, and they still sign that contract for the big money. Then, after years of wasting their money on stupid stuff like jewelry, expensive cars, houses with 8 bathrooms, strip clubs, etc. they complain that they don't have any money to pay for medical expenses. I'm not siding with the NFL executives, they're absolute sleaze (in many ways), and if the players had union contracts guaranteeing medical compensation, then they should fight for it, but stop lauding these guys like they're some sort of hero's that sacrificed their bodies for the rest of us for our entertainment. That "entertainment" costs the fans a LOT of money, whether it's high priced ticket sales, high cable TV rates, or higher costs for products, and these players were WELL compensated. Now the players in the 60's ,70's, and 80's, they didn't make anywhere near as much money, and they also weren't aware of many of the mental risks, so with them, I have a lot more sympathy. But for players who signed contracts after 1990, they all knew what they were getting into, and they all were very well paid to do so.

[@imcybilla6400]

Gotta see the movie “Concussion”

[@mikeandrew8973]

And football & boxing is the safest job someone can CHOOSE to do for a living

[@porfiriotorres2533]

B.S its so they don't have to pay!!!

[@rebeccarowell3144]

😢 I feel so sorry for black people white people never go through anything like a black people do it makes me so 😢

[@HumansAreBots]

You are an idiot.

[@rebeccarowell3144]

@@HumansAreBots sarcastic

[@sonicthehedgehog5360]

Racist

[@rebeccarowell3144]

@@sonicthehedgehog5360 I feel this commercial is racists also football players make millions of dollars a year and they are playing the race card como'n man

[@landonmassey1454]

'Sound' is the key word in the phrase 'sound discretion'. Slippery eels!! Seems like a matter of opinion, based on varying amounts of research, as to whether someones discretion is sound or unsound and therefore quite easy to deny claim based on whatever kind of baloney you wanna make up, especially when you've already got all the lawyers and politicians money can buy so you're accountable to no one except shareholders

[@deannedflrocks5337]

How about all Black athletes boycott until they are all guaranteed equal liability insurance. And job security when they take a knee.

[@EventHorizon34]

I really love the game but this is just wrong on all levels! The NFL knows this is going to happen to all their players in some form. Pain is a human thing! Skin color has nothing to do with that! So disgusting for the league to do their black players, who often times are the ones generating the league’s revenue,this way! Cousin I hope you’ll get the money and respect you’ll deserve!

[@BigJL]

This is why I want black players/execs to form a Black LEAGUE! Where brothas are supported the right way

[@user-gu6vf3je1d]

This rule is forcing their hand to do so but they just won’t do it… Stupid if you ask me.

[@candicecandy8137]

WHAT?! 😰😡

[@tesseract1877]

Everything is race based

[@randyadams7269]

This is a ridiculous story. You choose to play, your going to pay for ever. One aspect not covered in this story is that once you are done playing, there is no direction, no structure, no one telling you where and when to be anywhere! That is the hardest part about stopping play. Without an education and plans for after football there is not many successful stories. Hope the best for this man, white man is fighting the same fight.

[@wesleyfulton2186]

Just another reason why I don't watch this spot anymore. My fam won't come to my house on holidays because I will NOT turn on the NFL games.

[@hammockcamping2500]

So race norming in this context means adjusting the payout based on having lower cognitive skills relative to the average for one's ethnicity? That seems fair to me. How does that work exactly? I imagine that might mean testing one standard deviation below one's racial average. So for Ashkenazi Jews, having an IQ of 100 would constitute a 15 point deficiency similar to African-Americans having a score of 70 would also be a 15-point deficiency.

[@chaseweatherby4807]

No they don't they did the same thing to Mike Webster

[@slyfoxxsr.941]

If everything else doesn't work, play the Race card. 🤷‍♂️

[@clubberlang7377]

I know it will never happen but if there was another avenue or league for players to go to, one that took better care of its athletes during and after their time on the field, maybe this bs wouldn’t happen. If players had somewhere else they could go, especially black players, the NFL would be singing a different tune. I get it’s a business but the things they pull is beyond crazy. They do it because they know they have an over flowing pipeline of players to pick from. If the league lost a big portion of this outlet, the NFL would rethink how they treat and handle their players.

[@josephanderson3111]

This is just wrong period. The same rules should apply to all players period. This is blatent racism period. This needs to stop now period. You have to review all past and current cases and do the right thing for these men who are suffering period.

[@mohammedalzaher511]

That’s CTE pure and simple!

[@dacha9540]

NFL needs to stop "Race Norming" & pay up regardless of race...recommended or not...let the doctors make the decision & let them do their job...

[@lashondadavenport8322]

Wow - lie & deny. Say it enough and we should believe them. I guess they do believe we are all fools.

[@reneeislight]

This is another reason why I stopped watching football. Colin is my first. NFL needs help.

[@c.okafor8642]

But wat does the different races have to do with concussions

[@Dom-jx5ub]

Did you even watch the video before making this stupid ass comment?

[@SundiataBrayboy]

Your enemies rarely have mercy on you or treat you fairly. Wake up "so called black man".

[@sharonboston9087]

Sounds like CTE to me, but I guess black players don't get CTE (a result of many blows to the head) where the NFL is concerned.

[@tilak231]

Will smith had a good movie “Concussion”!! It says everything!!

[@JordanMelbyVlogs]

That's why you are paid the big bucks!

[@thomashenderson9004]

UNBELIEVABLE 😡!! In every NFL team MOST of the players is African Americans & having this race formality is really counterproductive!

[@atheist28403]

He didn't know that he could be gravely injured playing football? Salary seemed worth it at the time, I guess.

[@yeerrr2726]

Watch the video over again, your missing the point 🤡🤡🤡

[@melliemel32]

WHY is there an adjustment for race?? That's terrible.

[@acepath3001]

Hey who else has had metal taste in there mouth after head hits.. And i was told it was not cost effective to help me. I got hurt by the school teachers. they would hit me in the head with the text books. I would see stars and taste on my mouth.

[@antoniosantiago3844]

I was in a car accident and my lawyer told me don't expect a lot of money your not white !

[@bongofury5924]

Oh, you mean like Mike Webster?

[@KingKoin88]

To the NFL, Players are just expendable entertainers

[@willowtreeblooze]

For shame, NFL.

[@_Solid438]

SAD SMH

[@youdontknowjoejo]

Race norming is fine but affirmative action isn’t. America shows you via its laws where in society they want black people.