Ex-NFL Halfback Accuses League Docs of Purposely Misdiagnosing Major Injuries so he Could Play
Retired NFL running back Fred Taylor claims that doctors recommended by the league never told him he had a fractured clavicle and other major injuries, which he played through for years.
The longtime Jacksonville Jaguars star took to Twitter Wednesday to make the serious accusation:
Visited Chicago last week for full Ortho exam. Took 11 MRIs and 12 X-rays. Got results yesterday. Somehow I played career with fractured->
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
clavicle, 2 partially torn labrum, one in each shoulder. I’m Appalled! I was never told this as a player. Oversight? Or BS!
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
I’ve always gotten a sensation n my shoulders but I though it was fatigue. All these years have passd and now I discover my shoulders jackd
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
Seems the “neutral doctors” we are referred to by the league overlooked the injuries and issues I currently deal with. Nice job guys
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
They gave me this stupid nickname “fragile Freddy” after I had TORN my groin off the bone. Somehow it 2 was diagnosed as a minor strain ?
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
Taylor says he’s applied for “Line of Duty” pay from the league on three occasions, and has been denied each time. According to the NFL Alumni Association, which is largely comprised of ex-players and coaches, the Line of Duty benefit is given to those who incur “substantial disablement arising out of NFL football activities.” Taylor claims to have suffered permanent shoulder damage.
[h/t Deadspin]
[image via screengrab]
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