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Former pros, Sandra Unitas issue emotional appeal to fix benefits program

By Jeff Barker
Baltimore Sun

June 26, 2007, 12:22 PM EDT

WASHINGTON -- There were plenty of tears as a dozen retired NFL players today asked the league and its players' union to fix a "broken" system they said isn't adequately providing disability benefits for football injuries.

The widow of Baltimore Colts legend John Unitas held up a hook with a rubberized handle that she said her Hall of Fame husband once used to button his shirts because of an injury dating to a 1968 preseason game.

"He was rejected (for disability) like many of you here," Sandra Unitas said. She said Unitas wasn't bitter but "he was hurt and very, very disappointed."

Among those appearing at this morning's news conference: former Baltimore Colts defensive back Bruce Laird, former Green Bay Packers safety Willie Wood, former New York Giants and Washington Redskins linebacker Sam Huff, former Miami Dolphins running back Eugene "Mercury" Morris and Garrett Webster, the son of the late Pittsburgh Steelers lineman Mike Webster.

This afternoon, a U.S. House subcommittee will examine the disability system.The hearing will focus on a disability system that many retired players say makes it too difficult even for those with debilitating football injuries to qualify for benefits.

Webster said today that his father "died cold, alone, on the floor" and addicted to painkillers.

"The bottom line is this system is broken," said former Jacksonville Jaguars lineman Brian Demarco, who apologized for "being emotional" as he described being homeless three times in the past four years. He said he has rods and screws in his back and can barely walk.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said yesterday that disability decisions aren't made by the league, but by trustees on a board that includes club owners and former players. He said 284 former players are receiving $19 million this year.

"The overwhelming majority of players who leave the NFL are not disabled and don't become disabled," Aiello said.