Interesting story on Wilber Marshall

Sucks that he's gone through such a tough time:

Wilber Marshall -- a 45-year-old retired linebacker who won two Super Bowl rings with the Washington Redskins and Chicago Bears -- took home a win from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in his longstanding dispute with the National Football League over disability benefits.

Link: Law.com - Former Redskins Linebacker Wins Disability Appeal Before 4th Circuit (http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1200418107232)

Definitely makes you think about the 95% of the league who probably retire from football with very little in the bank. It's not all fun and games.

one helluva of a linebacker, with a big time nasty streak. the nfl makes me laugh. using all these guys for their product, and then not wanting to compensate them when their bodies literally fall apart

The problem is that most of the guys make just enough that they can (and need to) save for their own retirements by forgoing some of the bling while they are playing (more so these days than in the past, I would imagine). Unfortunately, most lack the guidance to do that. I don't like meddling usually, but there should be some sort of forced retirement savings. There is no 23 year old out there who NEEDS $360k/year (2nd year minimum) to live off of. Force him to put a chunk of that into savings, and give him the rest to blow. Then, when he's out of the league at 29 with no real marketable skills beyond the sport, he'll have a decent nest egg to fall back on.

Again, I'm usually a fan of letting people be responsible for their own messes, but this seems to be a unique situation to me.

These disabled players are the NFL's dirty little secret.

The problem is that most of the guys make just enough that they can (and need to) save for their own retirements by forgoing some of the bling while they are playing (more so these days than in the past, I would imagine). Unfortunately, most lack the guidance to do that. I don't like meddling usually, but there should be some sort of forced retirement savings. There is no 23 year old out there who NEEDS $360k/year (2nd year minimum) to live off of. Force him to put a chunk of that into savings, and give him the rest to blow. Then, when he's out of the league at 29 with no real marketable skills beyond the sport, he'll have a decent nest egg to fall back on.

Again, I'm usually a fan of letting people be responsible for their own messes, but this seems to be a unique situation to me.

Good points, but it is still the NFL's responsibility to take care of people that were sustained injuries while under their employment.

i hate to hear it this about wilber marshall..helluva player..

tough deal..

Good points, but it is still the NFL's responsibility to take care of people that were sustained injuries while under their employment.
if you get hurt at work, isn't your employer responsible? i wonder what gets the nfl off the hook with the retirees?

if you get hurt at work, isn't your employer responsible? i wonder what gets the nfl off the hook with the retirees?

From what I have read, because a lot of players came into the NFL with previous injuries the NFL claims "pre-existing condition" and therefore they are off the hook.

Good points, but it is still the NFL's responsibility to take care of people that were sustained injuries while under their employment.

Good point.