Roger Goodell Questioned Link Between Concussion and Long-Term Effects: Report
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell questioned the relationship between concussions and lasting neurological damage during a 2022 deposition, according to Front Office Sports.
It is a notable comment from the league's figurehead given the NFL has paid out more than $1.3 billion to ex-players who have alleged their employment as pro football players caused brain injuries later in life.
The outlet obtained a transcript of the July 2022 deposition relating to a lawsuit against the league regarding head injury settlement.
It was there, Goodell critiqued the media's coverage of head injuries, saying "they misstate, they misrepresent things, and when they do that, they add to a narrative that I think is unfair and unfounded.”
When asked about a link between concussion and resultant brain injuries, Goodell replied; “I think there’s still a great deal of uncertainty about the causation issue, if that’s what you’re referring to.”
Following the unsealing of the court document, the NFL provided a statement to Front Office Sports Tuesday.
“The league’s position remains unchanged. Player health and safety is a top priority of the NFL, as the Commissioner testified and has long stated," it read.
"The NFL has made and continues to make great strides to try to make the game safer for its players, including through rule changes, equipment advances, and by donating to and supporting critical scientific and medical research.”
Goodell added during the near nine-hour deposition that while risks are associated with playing pro football, they exist in everyday life.
“We all know there’s risks with playing football and other sports. There’s risks to walking down the street," he said.
In 2013, the NFL agreed to settle a $765 million lawsuit with former players wherein the league agreed to pay for medical exams, research and compensate those affected after more than 4,500 ex-players sued the shield.
Several past players, including Junior Seau, Vincent Jackson and Ken Stabler, have donated their brains to science in order to greater understand their conditions, if any, and more broadly how contact sport may have shaped those outcomes. Goodell welcomed this, expounding on how it is a step in the right direction.
Per the report, Goodell was asked by counsel, “Did you find it an issue of concern for the NFL that multiple NFL players committed suicide and left notes indicating that they wanted their brains studied, to determine whether their injuries resulted from their play in the NFL?”
He Goodell replied, “I’m not sure I would agree with that entire statement. I think players who want to participate in the research necessary to advance science is a positive thing for us. Obviously, the circumstances are incredibly unfortunate.”