Belmont Health Law Journal
Abstract
Based on current precedent, legal relief is not a viable solution to remedy the NFL’s ongoing substance abuse issues. However, the long-term safety of current and future football players, as well as the integrity of the sport, can be saved if instead of resorting to the courts, the players take this battle to state and federal legislatures while simultaneously promoting cultural awareness of the dangers that these prescription practices pose to past, current, and future football players. Part II of this note will examine the relevant legal and procedural history of opioid-related lawsuits that have been filed against the NFL and its franchises. Part III will discuss why legal relief is not a viable form of relief for past, current, and future NFL players under the current precedent on the NFL’s role in administering painkillers. Lastly, Part IV of this article will examine why legislative action and cultural awareness is the best possible course of action to achieve meaningful results in an attempt to bring this epidemic to a halt.
Recommended Citation
Freeland, Jacob
(2021)
"Student Note: The NFL and Opioid Abuse: Choosing the Best Route to Tackle a Difficult Problem,"
Belmont Health Law Journal: Vol. 4, Article 3.
Available at:
https://repository.belmont.edu/healthlaw/vol4/iss1/3