NFL Sued Over Painkillers

Some former NFL players accuse teams of mandating the use of painkillers that caused long-term health problems.

A new lawsuit accuses a former Detroit Lions coach and other past NFL personnel of requiring players to take painkillers with no regard for their long-term health.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of hundreds of former NFL players, claims team trainers and medical staff obtained and provided painkilling-medication knowing that it could harm those it was given to.

The plaintiffs also allege that some of the painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication came from prescriptions filled-out in players’ names without their knowledge.

The suit names every NFL team as a defendant and accuses several ex-coaches and assistants, including former Detroit Lions head coach Wayne Fontes, of telling players they would be cut from the team if they did not take a painkiller and get back on the football field.

A similar lawsuit filed last year was dismissed by a California judge who ruled that the matter should be settled within the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement with players.

That decision is being appealed.   

Author

  • Quinn Klinefelter is a Senior News Editor at 101.9 WDET. In 1996, he was literally on top of the news when he interviewed then-Senator Bob Dole about his presidential campaign and stepped on his feet.