Two Former NFLers Sue Players' Union Over Concussions

Christian Ballard and Greg Westbrooks have filed a lawsuit against the NFLPA and three of its past presidents, alleging that the union improperly and inaccurately provided information to players about the risk and long-term effects of brain trauma.

Ballard is a defensive tackle who played for the Vikings in 2011 and 2012. Westbrooks is a linebacker who played parts of seven seasons for four teams from 1975-1981. Their suit, filed yesterday in a U.S. district court in Missouri, alleges that the NFLPA "withheld information from the players about the risks of head injuries." It names former presidents Trace Armstrong, Troy Vincent, and Kewin Mawae.

In a statement, the NFLPA responded that the suit "erroneously alleges that the NFLPA knowingly and fraudulently concealed from players the risks of head injuries players faced by playing in NFL games and practices over the last several decades. This lawsuit has no merit and we will defend our union and our past Presidents."