Newly disclosed court documents have revealed startling comments made by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell regarding player safety, as part of a lawsuit against the NFL over head injuries sustained by players.
In the transcripts from a 2022 deposition, Goodell claimed that the media misrepresents reports on players’ head and brain injuries. During the nearly nine-hour deposition, Goodell suggested a positive outcome for the league when a player donates their brain to science after suicide, compared the risks of contact sports to walking down the street, and expressed frustration with media coverage of head injuries.
When asked about the medical consensus on long-term damage from concussions, Goodell stated, “There’s still a great deal of uncertainty about the causation issue.” His own attorney, Jeff Pash, acknowledged the potential for long-term effects but claimed he was not briefed on Goodell’s testimony.
RELATED: Roger Goodell Breaks His Silence on Taylor Swift’s Impact on the NFL
Regarding NFL players committing suicide and leaving notes for brain study, Goodell responded, “Players who want to participate in the research necessary to advance science is a positive thing for us. Obviously, the circumstances are incredibly unfortunate.”
The revelations have raised concerns about the NFL’s stance on player safety and the long-term effects of concussions, particularly in light of players’ suicides and their willingness to contribute to scientific research.
While it’s widely acknowledged that football poses health risks, there’s an expectation that the NFL is taking comprehensive measures to mitigate and prevent injuries from becoming a significant issue.
