Eleven more ex-players sue NFL in Louisiana over concussions

NEW ORLEANS -- Nearly a dozen former NFL players living in Louisiana have sued the NFL, the latest players to accuse the league of failing to protect players from the risks associated with concussions.

Several former New Orleans Saints players, including John Fourcade, are among the 11 ex-players named as plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit filed Friday in federal court in New Orleans. The lawsuit says each of them has developed mental or physical problems from concussions or concussion-like symptoms.

Several similar suits blaming the NFL for concussion-related dementia and brain disease already have been consolidated in Philadelphia. More could be added. The NFL has vowed to vigorously defend itself.

Football helmet manufacturer Riddell Inc. also is named as a defendant in the lawsuit filed in New Orleans.

The lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages, accuses the NFL of ignoring players' concussion risks for years "despite overwhelming medical evidence that on-field concussions led directly to brain injuries and frequently had tragic repercussions for retired players."

A 2000 survey of more than 1,000 former NFL players found that more than 60 percent had suffered at least one concussion, while 26 percent had suffered three or more during their careers, according to the lawsuit.

"Those who had sustained concussions reported more problems with memory, concentration, speech impediments, headaches and other neurological problems than those who had not been concussed," the suit says.

The lawsuit claims the league has only recently taken action to address the problem.

The other plaintiffs are: Tyrone Hughes, Eric Hill, Curtis Baham, Raion Hill, Maurice Hurst, Treverance Faulk, Keaton Cromartie, Vince Buck, Charles Commiskey and Tyrone Legette. Wives of the players also are named as plaintiffs in the suit.

Fourcade, 51, was a quarterback for the Saints from 1987 to 1990 and played at Mississippi.

This is the label attached to the back of Riddell helmets:

WARNING: NO HELMET CAN PREVENT SERIOUS HEAD OR NECK INJURIES A PLAYER MIGHT RECEIVE WHILE PARTICIPATING IN FOOTBALL. Do not use this helmet to butt, ram or spear an opposing player. This is in violation of the football rules and such use can result in severe head or neck injuries, paralysis or death to you and possible injury to your opponent. Contact in football may result in CONCUSSION-BRAIN INJURY which no helmet can prevent. Symptoms include: loss of consciousness or memory, dizziness, headache, nausea or confusion. If you have symptoms, immediately stop playing and report them to your coach, trainer and parents. Do not return to a game or practice until all symptoms are gone and you have received medical clearance. Ignoring this warning may lead to another and more serious or fatal brain injury.

Any questions, John Fourcade?