The dominoes continue to fall in the death of NFL legend Junior Seau. NFL.com is reporting that Seau’s estate is now suing the NFL for wrongful death.
The suit filed Wednesday in California Superior Court in San Diego, feels the NFL is liable for “acts or omissions” that concealed the risk of repeated hits to the head during Seau’s 20 seasons in the league.
The estate claims Junior developed chronic traumatic encephalopathy, (CTE) as a result of his playing days. The suit claims the NFL ignored evidence tying violent on-field hits to traumatic brain injuries.
“We were saddened to learn that Junior, a loving father and teammate, suffered from CTE,” the family said in a statement provided to The AP. “While Junior always expected to have aches and pains from his playing days, none of us ever fathomed that he would suffer a debilitating brain disease that would cause him to leave us too soon.
“We know this lawsuit will not bring back Junior. But it will send a message that the NFL needs to care for its former players, acknowledge its decades of deception on the issue of head injuries and player safety, and make the game safer for future generations.”
League spokesman Brian McCarthy released a statement.
“Our attorneys will review it and respond to the claims appropriately through the court.”
“The NFL, both directly and in partnership with the NIH, Centers for Disease Control and other leading organizations, is committed to supporting a wide range of independent medical and scientific research that will both address CTE and promote the long-term health and safety of athletes at all levels,” the league told The AP upon learning that Seau suffered from CTE.