How the NFL failed its Black former players | Fault Lines Documentary

A decade ago, the future of the National Football League (NFL) was in doubt. A devastating brain disease, CTE, had been discovered in the brains of some of its players.
But in 2013, bowing to public pressure, the NFL appeared to take responsibility. The league promised to provide money and care to retired NFL players living with CTE and other neurological diseases linked to the game.
But has the NFL made good on this promise?
Bloodsport investigates how the league was able to deny compensation to Black players through a controversial testing practice called “race-norming”. And a neuropsychologist and former NFL-paid doctor tells Fault Lines that the NFL put pressure on doctors to change their diagnoses of retired players hoping to qualify for an award from the NFL concussion settlement.
Fault Lines tells the story of one former NFL player, Pittsburgh Steeler Carlton Haselrig, and his wife and their struggle to get compensation from the NFL.
Producer: Isaac Solotaroff
Senior Correspondent and Co-Producer: Josh Rushing
Director of Photography: Jeremy Raff
Editor: Warwick Meade
Executive Producer: Laila Al-Arian
Fact-checking: Abdulai Bah
Digital Producer: Riham Mansour
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#FaultLines #Documentary #NFL

[@aljazeeraenglish]

Thank you for watching. Let us know what you think in the comments below. If you'd like to watch more documentaries from Fault Lines, find them here: kzbin.info/aero/PLzGHKb8i9vTwPC3FzLd-hd0-NvzEvH2rD Connect with Fault Lines: ‣ Twitter: twitter.com/AJFaultLines ‣ Facebook: facebook.com/AJFaultLines ‣ Instagram: instagram.com/AJFaultLines

[@domenicspino982]

I do not see this being really about football. A male minority with a physical gift from a depressed area gets focused to their physical ability without concern for their long-term benefit. The person gets used up, more than football, it is society, culture, psychology, economics even. There comes to be nothing left because the person was never helped compassionately. CH, and I was in wrestling circles, PITT Main, during the 80's: CH was so absolutely unique, and he was still used up! Sure, the disease, the person in the story (after the disease sets in), and seeing some Johnstown struggles recently. CH did what he knew, and he came to know that less and less. Maybe once the disease set in there is little to do except try to survive. Even in the 80's head hits were bad - just no one really stopped anyone or looked in it to it after 'did you see ________that person is so messed up from...' Or, after the bells stop... One thinks they have to get back in there! I've had many. I learned to handle it different, my own way. The dangers within the sport, or just going hard in everything! I knew that! So, CH wrestled with life, abandoned by many he built castles for. I stand with his wife's efforts. Like many in SWPA, I met CH. The man deserves more than me only saying I stand with his wife! I am seeing what more I can do in ways that I can! Preventative measures seem the key - this disease needs to end! Just so curious: having to bang your head at work and developing a disease from it. Seems like if this was a different job, good ole gov't would step in and ....(?). He was the wrestler who you always talked about, but he was a Human Being!

[@MBlair02]

My husband also passed away from CTE (former NFL player). My heart breaks for her. Is there a GoFundMe set up for her? Shame on the NFL. Thank you for doing this story.

[@michellehaselrig2441]

You can find me on Facebook you will see that information they won’t let post the go fund me link sorry thank you

[@ScorpioMojo]

It's heartbreaking and infuriating. Especially when you discover the NFL intended to disqualify black athletes from any compensation by claiming they suffered from sickle cell or other underlying condition, not from game related head trauma. College athletes are literally slaves. Making billion$ for colleges, universities and media markets, uncompensated for the use of their name and image .. while multiple industries CAN use their personal brand to license out and make huge profits, generate revenue, and owe the individuals NOTHING.

[@dwaynesinclair2155]

Every current nfl and ncaa football player should be forced to watch this.

[@linus4693]

Then nobody would want to play it anymore

[@LIYICHEN-ef4eq]

young players should be made aware of playing this dangerous game

[@dw6535]

Kids think they're immortal, that nothing will ever happen to them. Try getting through to the parents first. I get that the kids want to play, but the parent has to allow it.

[@linus4693]

Or you viewed as soft if you don’t play it

[@laceyleonard]

This Breaks my heart but I’m thankful you’re bringing awareness to what many former players are suffering with.

[@aljazeeraenglish]

Many thanks for your comment, dear Lacey. 🙌

[@leeholmes9962]

There are many white people who got FUC🤬 ED by the NFL let's not keep playing this BULLSHI 🤬 race card the sort or program ain't making you a aware of nothing other then trying to divide us more and more watch" league of denial" if you want real facts

[@astridexplorer5096]

Excellent coverage and reporting on this devastating crime. Every one of these players deserve(d) to know the risks involved, and they were denied that by the NFL, an organization that rakes in tens of billions on the backs of their players. These men gave their passion and their lives to the game of NFL football and continue to suffer and die from brain injuries while the NFL uses legal chicanery to avoid any culpability. Disheartening, sickening and sleazy-- shame on the NFL. Thank you for shedding light on this sad situation. I hope the many inflicted players and their families are finally well compensated financially and properly acknowledged as a result.

[@DavidKuziemko]

Very interesting doc revealing the greed and utter shamefulness of the NFL. Sad to say, however, that it will be hard for diehard football fans to quit watching football whether this issue is addressed in a responsible fashion or not.

[@fiifidadzie8395]

Their health has always been my concern. It's a dangerous sport and they need to check their health status constantly

[@Tribuneoftheplebs]

The fact that the NFL thought that they could get away with this in a league filled with black players and fans!

[@stathieb7275]

Lets set up a go fund me page and help this woman 🙏 hold her head up high.unlike the NFL! NFL is so greedy,it makes me sick.We need to protest the Pittsburgh steelers at there stadium.

[@chellelechelle]

Not only that I noticed that in high school the guys who committed suicide had all been on the football team & came to the conclusion that being hit that hard does something to the brain.

[@jjrossitee]

Pat McAfee, are you able to bring this up on your show?

[@karenhansen1945]

What is wrong with you people? I grew up in the Johnstown area. Went to UPJ the same time as CH. No one wins 6 individual college championships with a drug and or alcohol problem! He was the best of the best when he played for for Steelers. Everyone in Johnstown knew and loved him! He did not develop addiction issues until after CTE became an issue. Aren't you people listening? If you haven't figured out by now how crooked, greedy, and evil the NFL is by now, you never will. My deepest sympathy Mrs. Haselrig. You deserve so much better. Are you on FB by your full name?

[@michellehaselrig2441]

Thank you yes I am 😊

[@nathanmukiibi8549]

This is indeed an eye opening piece I am so saddened that she has to sell Carlton's accolades to survive. How sustainable is this? We in Africa were told that America is some sort Heaven on Earth... Hos is it that this Lady can not get support?... Anyways, thanks Aljazeera for these very enlightening stories.

[@StefDjordjevic33]

I went to high school and college with Carlton so this video really breaks my heart.

[@grandson2537]

It’s crazy to me parents still let there kids play football smh

[@CobaltNorthernStudios]

If you think football players were ripped off look at the NHL.

[@sw5401]

Can't compare the two sports. The money that the NFL generates puts them in a better position to take care of their former players. I'm not even talking about all players because some players make so much money they should be smart enough to put away money. I'm talking about the lesser paid players whose income made is not efficient to sustain inflation. Keep in mind that all NFL players are not rich and should receive support from the league that they help generate revenue for.

[@blongshanks77]

This is a heartbreaking documentary to watch. I love watching Football, and even played organized football when I was much younger, but it’s obvious that these guys are putting their future health on the line every time they suit up.

[@MuslimByChoice]

Great reporting

[@my2cents581]

I agree that anyone who supports football in any fashion, bears responsibility for the players, with that, now that CTE is well known, the players also have a choice in the matter and they have to bear responsibility for themselves!

[@scottfree6288]

I can tell you from personal experience that TBI are no joke. I only had one head injury and my life has been chaos,Drs and plethora of medications ever since. You only have one brain. Take care of it.

[@marvin469]

U gotta be crazy as heck to be a football player

[@kathycarter4892]

You absolutely right your health isn't worth no money 🤑 it's sad people don't care about there life health to play dangerous football 🏈

[@patgorham4796]

What a shame, on the backs of these great healthy young athletes. Just sweep it under the rug.😢

[@stathieb7275]

CTE IS REAL.I played football in the 1970's from 5th grade to freshman year in H.S. I played in the Catholic league in chicago. The reason why i stopped playing was because i bevame a gang member( thats another story). I have delt with symptoms of CTE for a few years and im 53 now. Dont let your kids play football. I think kids brains stop growing when they are 15,so we need more info.on whats going on.This is crazy

[@frankwilson5116]

What a shame. Unreal how powerful people could just disregard the well-being of others. I'm a 100% disabled Veteran with 3 tours in the middleast. This reminds me of mine and other combat veterans dealings with the VA. It's an uphill FIGHT to get benefits that your entitled to. I pray she gets through this and that her life changes for the better. Don't ever give up.

[@stathieb7275]

I notice all the players that are shown at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="610">10:10</a> all have thick foreheads from wearing a footnall helmet. We use to call it helmet head. We need to look into that. Its like the hemets formed there foreheads

[@ramon78433]

The race morning makes me sick, in a way the NFL could be compared to a form of modern slavery

[@shazzari]

Even in death these players are still being exploited smh

[@christophercox-ym2tv]

This is a travesty the nfl is full of greed and deceit my heart goes out to the former players and their spouses and family just a crying shame

[@krnpowr]

Herschel Walker is a prime example of the brain damage that occurs long-term from football.

[@eagledice2008]

He definitely has CTE there's no way he doesn't his mind is not right

[@starcrib]

Plus he's unmistakably evil. 🦖☄️

[@danyluk1]

Spoken like a true communist.

[@starcrib]

@Thomas Danyluk 🍎 oh do sit down- maybe eat an apple- anything to shut that trap. Hahahahahahah.

[@danyluk1]

@@starcrib go back to bed, commie

[@chellelechelle]

This needs to be taken more seriously

[@domenicspino982]

I do not see this being really about football. A male minority with a physical gift from a depressed area gets focused to their physical ability without concern for their long-term benefit. The person gets used up, more than football, it is society, culture, psychology, economics even. There comes to be nothing left because the person was never helped compassionately. CH, and I was in wrestling circles, PITT Main, during the 80's: CH was so absolutely unique, and he was still used up! Sure, the disease, the person in the story (after the disease sets in), and seeing some Johnstown struggles recently. CH did what he knew, and he came to know that less and less. Maybe once the disease set in there is little to do except try to survive. Even in the 80's head hits were bad - just no one really stopped anyone or looked in it to it after 'did you see ________that person is so messed up from...' Or, after the bells stop... One thinks they have to get back in there! I've had many. I learned to handle it different, my own way. The dangers within the sport, or just going hard in everything! I knew that! So, CH wrestled with life, abandoned by many he built castles for. I stand with his wife's efforts. Like many in SWPA, I met CH. The man deserves more than me only saying I stand with his wife! I am seeing what more I can do in ways that I can! Preventative measures seem the key - this disease needs to end! Just so curious: having to bang your head at work and developing a disease from it. Seems like if this was a different job, good ole gov't would step in and ....(?). He was the wrestler who you always talked about, but he was a Human Being!

[@debralneisler]

He was my cousin. Very difficult to watch.

[@Leroy-wm4ib]

@debralneisler Just saw the video. Much blessings to your family. I stopped watching the NFL regularly a long time ago. His wife have no business living in this manner. Take care.

[@julesmum9781]

I'm so sorry. The NFL has totally bombed on the issue of CTE plus the race norming. Race norming is archaic!

[@ContrarianExpatriate]

This is enough to make me no longer support the NFL at all. I hope it folds under the pressure of lawsuits and new legislation.

[@blongshanks77]

He failed his wife and family by not accepting the pension option that would’ve provided survivor annuity. Through my private sector employer, we also have a pension. When I retire, I’ll have the option of receiving the full pension payout, or a slightly smaller payout with survivor annuity. This will ensure my wife still receives something if I go be for her. It sounds like he didn’t do that.

[@kelvinmack7104]

It really doesn't matter because you'll never be an owner Jason Whitlock

[@ladymsthing6056]

This issue was depicted in a movie and numerous documentaries, men will still choose to play🤷🏾‍♀️

[@kathycarter4892]

This guy laughing because this family get a settlement he's crazy.

[@danyluk1]

A big piece of this story has been left out.

[@RadicalTrivia]

I'm from Pittsburgh and I hate football.

[@JonnyCrist999]

did they tho

[@jay-t1030]

*40 Million Dollar Slave*

[@capricorngoddess30]

I wish she had a go fund me🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@michellehaselrig2441]

I do look on my Facebook page

[@kenw2225]

There you go

[@noetoledo8501]

We all cheer for these men when they are good and healthy, but in the end when they are beaten and broken down they are all forgotten about. The league ( owners) need to help these men medically with better benefits for after football specifically for the players that doesn't get the big contracts. In the end they all gonna pay when they are gone and they stand in front of our maker he is going to ask why didn't you help those who needed help. There is a quote that says( There is a better chance for a camel to fit inside the hole of a needle 🪡 than a rich person getting in heaven).

[@mariahdelaney7773]

... judgement day...🙏

[@josephmiller9424]

Of course , it all starts with the first head on meeting with another player so pee wee football and keeps getting worst

[@ValyrianPrince]

What else is new.😢 One race hated so universally over skin color and stereotypes

[@cathaldowdall7467]

This is a disgrace

[@MikeSmith-or4il]

Ball game gone bad?

[@rentslave]

Pardon me. I didn't know that the NFL was a Blacks only league.

[@Gipsy134]

Where can I buy 200ml of cyanide ? Asking for a friend...

[@MuslimByChoice]

Please don't 😠

[@michaeltiller782]

It's so funny coward's would attack someone with something like this or destroy one's name or not told about the conditions of ones brain damage and not pay for what

[@cathaldowdall7467]

NFL will eventually die

[@isankerry]

Psy ops

[@hermanspaerman3490]

Please make a report of how Qatar failed their expats which built their shiny football stadiums and died by their thousands.

[@mrnaji]

Says the eurocrybaby that thinks they are absolved of any wrongdoing

[@droma2366]

Expats? Aren't expats usually those that take advantage and succeed in new country? Whereas immigrants are those exploited

[@bleb87]

Lol neverrrrr

[@ikelove6784]

Do these people want justice or money both ? It seem like they just want money

[@Leroy-wm4ib]

You sound INSANELY stupid. These people deserves to be taken care of . Go buy yourself some compassion.

[@tulukuma2735]

I can't watch the full video.i have no courage but what I want to say is all NFL players must leave bare minimum and invested all their money to retire in just five years...this may the have seed money live comfortably and still invest.. beside this I don't see any way out yes it is dangerous job so to mining, police etc what NFL give them no barrier if they have what it take they can make it. The only thing is don't over stay

[@ianwatson3315]

So how are the nfl responsible? Banging your head multiple times is not good..look at boxers. Should we sue the government for the death of soldiers who made their choice 🤷‍♂️

[@bleb87]

Bc it feels better to blame a faceless business than taking any sort of responsibilty.

[@leedleleedle6824]

The risk was never made known

[@bleb87]

@@leedleleedle6824 THE RISK WAS NOT KNOWN

[@christianroman7910]

Little time in the NFL, chronic drug user, and alcoholic. That's why his settlement was small compared to others.

[@ashajones7323]

drug and alcohol abuse are associated with frontal lobe damage. i don't know much about this man so idk if it was b4 football. but cte can lead to it/ make it worse.

[@loganstolberg2743]

The title is so race-baiting.

[@ashajones7323]

idk if this video covers it but the nfl did participate racism in the settlement. Black players were less likely to recieve money bc they had to show higher levels of cognitive impairment bc the nfl used a formula that used a lower intelligence baseline for Black players. edit: they literally say it in the video. your comment is purposefully obtuse.

[@GODISGREAT_12]

How? The league is 70% black. And they use race norming to keep from paying the men.

[@blongshanks77]

At about 17:30, they get to the point where race became a factor. It took some time to get there, but they did eventually explain it.

[@_face773]

And now I'm going to unsubscribe

[@blongshanks77]

This page has 13.6M subscribers. You won’t be missed.

[@jesusfernandez-eh8cx]

They made millions playing a game and still victims

[@BenPatrick83]

Tell me your smart enough to look and see that every player does not make millions….and it doesn’t matter what a person made wrong is wrong…before you make false statements do some research

[@brianbetts2762]

One can always tell the petty lil fellas out there. Success evaded you your entire life. Go away lil fella.

[@sheilladingus2149]

Does that look like a millionaire's house? Are you really that jealous of a few minutes of fame that you can't see the destruction they never saw coming?

[@christianroman7910]

Carlton squandered his with drug use, and alcohol.

[@jtt1928]

Wrong @jesus!!! A couple of million dollars isn’t a lot when you have family & corrupt finance managers stealing it😢

[@jakeschmo1565]

Blame others as usual for your choices. Go figure, playing football can be unhealthy….

[@alexandermakanya3985]

choice of not knowing about CTE? foh idiot

[@brianbetts2762]

Injury from work is not playing the "victim" card. Take your jagoff comments elsewhere pal.

[@christianroman7910]

@@brianbetts2762 but extensive drug use, and alcoholism is. Seem to have left a big part of his UPJ career out, and coach Pecoras cover up.

[@starcrib]

Look ☝🏻 another hillbilly with an Opinion .

[@Artliker1234]

@@christianroman7910it doesn't matter CTE which he did indeed have, confirmed posthumously is from multiply blunt trauma. Don't be asinine