Another week, and the NFL concussions saga continues to rage on. CTE, a degenerative brain condition, is maintaining its assault on ex-NFL players following their years of head trauma. The $1 billion concussion settlement between the NFL and approximately 20,000 former players is certainly well documented, but now helmet makers Riddell have fallen into the firing line.
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The helmet company was responsible for NFL helmets from 1989- 2013, and Riddell is now facing a strong lawsuit from another 1,000 former NFL players. It is alleged that they knew more about the concussion risks than they let on, and comes as a result of new evidence coming to light.
The player’s lead lawyer, Jason Luckasevic, recently told the New York Post that not one, but ‘many new documents’ had been found, placing Riddell in a very dangerous situation. And, worryingly for Riddell, he vows to ‘put an end’ to the helmet maker completely.
One of the main pillars of the players’ argument targets Riddell’s claim in 2006 that their new ‘Revolution’ helmet would reduce concussions by 31%. Despite the magnitude of this claim, it has been alleged that the company never even tested the helmets against the rotational hits which cause most NFL concussions.
For Riddell, this ordeal could just be beginning. As well as the 1,000 ex-players behind Luckasevic, it has even been suggested that the 20,000 ex-players who received the NFL’s settlement are still able to sue as well.
Following the NFL’s monumental pay-out from their lawsuit, it would take a brave person to suggest an escape route for Riddell. As big as the hits out on the football field can be, this lawsuit could hit even bigger.