Mark Kelso rules!

[Paradigm81]

I guess Mark Kelso won't be on this commitee?

NFL: Ditka wants action on head injuries

Associated Press

Mike Ditka has a message for the NFL and congressional leaders: More action, not studies.
On the eve of a congressional hearing on head injuries among NFL players, the Hall of Famer sent a loud-and-clear message toward Capitol Hill and the league during a news conference in Chicago yesterday to announce that his Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund is expanding its medical program.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith are scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee, along with former players and medical experts, and Ditka said he hoped they "come to a conclusion and quit financing these studies" so more ailing retirees can get the help they need.

Smith said the union has differences with the NFL over how to address head injuries suffered during pro football games, but they're not fighting about it.

Smith credited the NFL with doing a "tremendous job" to improve player safety in the last five years.

"This is not a battle between us and the league," Smith said.

In the past, Ditka has criticized the players' association for ignoring the medical needs of former players with serious injuries who can't afford to pay for their care. His stance has softened now that Smith is leading the union.