Yesterday, word made its way out that Dan Marino would join a suit against the NFL over the effects of brain trauma suffered during his career. Today, word from the Sun Sentinel is, Whoops, my bad guys.
Marino and his attorneys say they're trying to figure out just how this happened, but the reason he is associated with this at all speaks to an issue with how these lawsuits are playing out:
"It was never Marino's intention to initiate litigation in this case, but to ensure that in the event he had adverse health consequences down the road, he would be covered with health benefits. They are working to correct the error," a source said to the Sun-Sentinel.
This is an important point. If Marino, who reported two concussions during his playing career, wants to ensure he will be covered in the event symptoms present, but doesn't exhibit any just yet, he doesn't really have a good recourse here. And that's what's at the heart of the problems with the $765 million settlement, which is meant to be a slush fund for all future claimants. You're left with guys in Marino's position, who aren't trying to sue just yet, but are worried about degenerative symptoms at a far earlier age than is usual—Marino is just 52—enough to be anxious to get their hat in the ring as soon as they need to.