Former Pros Seek Help from Congress

The NFL players union has asked Congress to help solve a dispute between injured retired players and the NFL. Many players have had their careers end because of costly injuries sustained while playing the physical sport. Gene Upshaw, director of the NFL players union has said that the organization is limited in what they can do to help these former players in the present. They wish to go to Congress in order to be able to provide more and better care for the retired players. The reason that the players union has finally gone to Congress is because these retired football players have been openly critical of the amount of money older retirees get from a 1.1 billion dollar fund that was made for pensions and injuries or disabilities. Many of these former pros suffer from mental illness, caused by multiple concussions and head injuries. There are also many that are handicapped from career ending injuries suffered while battling on the gridiron. Mike Ditka argued that the older generation of players that helped build the league to what it is today should be treated better. He says "Don't make proud men beg. Just let them live out their lives with a little bit of respect." They feel that the money is there to help solve the problem, yet it is not being utilized correctly. It appears that Congress may lend a hand to fix this problem, as John Kerry is already willing to offer legislation if the problem is not fixed soon. It would only seem fitting if the forefathers of modern football are treated with respect and help is given to those who need it.