July 30, 2012 7:54 pm
By Mike Bires mbires@timesonline.com
It might be a bit awkward this weekend for Dermontti Dawson if he comes face-to-face with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. After all, he’s a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee who’s part of a concussion-related lawsuit filed against the league.
“It’s a slippery situation when you have to talk about concussions,” said Dawson, who played center for the Steelers from 1988-2000.
On July 3 in Mississippi, Dawson was one of 47 former NFL players who sued the league. They allege that the NFL was aware of evidence and risks associated with repetitive traumatic brain injuries and concussions for decades, but ignored and concealed that information from players.
In the past year or so, around 2,700 ex-players have filed suit against the league.
When it’s time for Dawson to give his acceptance speech Saturday night in Canton, Ohio, it will be interesting to see if he mentions the lawsuit. In all likelihood, he’ll avoid controversy and stick to his body of work as one of the legends in Steelers' history.
“He redefined the position,” said former Steelers coach Bill Cowher, who’s now a studio analyst on CBS’ “The NFL Today.”
Read More: http://www.timesonline.com/sports/st...9cc6673fa.html
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