Gale Sayers Suing NFL, Riddell For Failing to Prevent Head Injuries
By Kyle Koster
Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers yesterday filed suit against the National Football League and helmet maker Riddell, claiming neither did enough to prevent head trauma that led to brain damage.
Sayers, who starred for the Chicago Bears from 1965-1971, has experienced headaches, memory loss and other effects from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, according to the suit.
"The suit claims Sayers played with concussions because the NFL never warned him doing so could cause brain damage. The five-count lawsuit also names Riddell as a defendant, claiming the helmet maker did not provide adequate safety instructions or information about which models provide the best protection."
Sayers’ filing comes a month after the NFL reached a $765 million settlement with 4,500 former players for brain injuries suffered during their careers.