Comments on: Former Bengal Reggie Williams Fighting to Save His Leg http://retiredplayers.org/2008/11/05/former-bengal-reggie-williams-fighting-to-save-his-leg/ Covering NFL Player Issues Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:48:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Sandesh Deshkar http://retiredplayers.org/2008/11/05/former-bengal-reggie-williams-fighting-to-save-his-leg/comment-page-1/#comment-9810 Sandesh Deshkar Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:31:03 +0000 http://retiredplayers.org/?p=360#comment-9810 This NFL player from 1976 through 1989 played all 14 of his pro seasons for the Bengals. His passionate, rugged play helped the Bengals reach two Super Bowls. It also took a surgical toll on his knees. Fifteen total surgeries on his right knee. Three on his left knee. Both knees replaced in a 2005 surgery. It is the pain of the swollen right knee that hinders him most today. He walks on crutches, dragging the right leg along. Often the pain in it is unlike anything he experienced on the field during his playing career. He said the knee talks to him. He talks to it. This NFL player from 1976 through 1989 played all 14 of his pro seasons for the Bengals. His passionate, rugged play helped the Bengals reach two Super Bowls. It also took a surgical toll on his knees.

Fifteen total surgeries on his right knee. Three on his left knee. Both knees replaced in a 2005 surgery.

It is the pain of the swollen right knee that hinders him most today.

He walks on crutches, dragging the right leg along. Often the pain in it is unlike anything he experienced on the field during his playing career. He said the knee talks to him. He talks to it.

]]> By: Brian Patrick Clarke http://retiredplayers.org/2008/11/05/former-bengal-reggie-williams-fighting-to-save-his-leg/comment-page-1/#comment-367 Brian Patrick Clarke Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:12:30 +0000 http://retiredplayers.org/?p=360#comment-367 Having just found this website and info on Reggie, I thought that the readers/posters might like to read this update on Reggie's recovery: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-colwhitley04120408dec04,0,4148306.column I was searching for a contact email when I found this "Retired Players" link, and though it did not provide the info I sought, I will use the email for the Orlando Sentinel columnist, David Whitley, and ask him to forward my note. David's email is dwhitley@orlandosentinel.com Peace, Brian Patrick Clarke Having just found this website and info on Reggie, I thought that the readers/posters might like to read this update on Reggie’s recovery:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-colwhitley04120408dec04,0,4148306.column

I was searching for a contact email when I found this “Retired Players” link, and though it did not provide the info I sought, I will use the email for the Orlando Sentinel columnist, David Whitley, and ask him to forward my note. David’s email is dwhitley@orlandosentinel.com

Peace,
Brian Patrick Clarke

]]> By: John Matson http://retiredplayers.org/2008/11/05/former-bengal-reggie-williams-fighting-to-save-his-leg/comment-page-1/#comment-65 John Matson Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:03:14 +0000 http://retiredplayers.org/?p=360#comment-65 Reggie, The power of the HEALING HANDS OF ALMIGHTY GOD ARE WITH YOU AND WILL CONTINUALLY BRING YOU CLOSER TO BETTER HEALTH EACH DAY! My brother Pat Matson was also a Bengal and he is going through many of the same negligent provisions of the NFL and the NFLPA. I have written to Roger Goodell with no response. I have not even received an acknowledgement of the information I sent him. He is a mouthpiece for the NFL MACHINE. Roger Goodell and the former President of the NFLPA, Gene Upshaw were out for two people, Gene and Roger. They remind me of the executives that were with ENRON and the ways they shafted the entire employee roster. Lost funds invested and worthless 401K's. Why? The corporate design is self serving and the nieve attitude of the fan base that watches, cheers and admires the players will not get up from the couch and show their disgust. The NFL wants to go to court! The NFL legal corp will keep you in court until you die. The warchest the NFL possesses and the style the NFL projects is beyond understanding and comprehension. The NFL hides behind their minor monetary contributions to Boys and Girls Clubs and similar community organizations so that the public thinks they are good guys. Trust me in this statement: "The NFL and the NFLPA are mining hundred dollar bills minute by minute and shirking their moral responsibility to the heroes that left it on the field without honestly giving back to these heroes to meet each need that presents itself on a daily basis." The NFLPA trust fund has in excess of $964,000,000.00 which yields millions of dollars yearly at just 4% ( An average bank CD rate ) without paying the medical bills and living expenses of the few forgotten players that have real living needs. I have read the Congress Report, 185 pages, that Congressman Conyers and others in Congress, have stated the inadequate medical procedures and reviews of benefits that exist. Reggie we are with you and the other at need retired NFL players that are being treated like the dirt by the NFL, the NFLPA and the NFL team owners. Shame on all of them! I can be reached in Denver, 303-710-0115. God Bless you and may each day ahead be filled with ABUNDANT BLESSINGS! Reggie,

The power of the HEALING HANDS OF ALMIGHTY GOD ARE WITH YOU AND WILL CONTINUALLY BRING YOU CLOSER TO BETTER HEALTH EACH DAY! My brother Pat Matson was also a Bengal and he is going through many of the same negligent provisions of the NFL and the NFLPA. I have written to Roger Goodell with no response. I have not even received an acknowledgement of the information I sent him. He is a mouthpiece for the NFL MACHINE. Roger Goodell and the former President of the NFLPA, Gene Upshaw were out for two people, Gene and Roger. They remind me of the executives that were with ENRON and the ways they shafted the entire employee roster. Lost funds invested and worthless 401K’s. Why? The corporate design is self serving and the nieve attitude of the fan base that watches, cheers and admires the players will not get up from the couch and show their disgust. The NFL wants to go to court! The NFL legal corp will keep you in court until you die. The warchest the NFL possesses and the style the NFL projects is beyond understanding and comprehension. The NFL hides behind their minor monetary contributions to Boys and Girls Clubs and similar community organizations so that the public thinks they are good guys. Trust me in this statement: “The NFL and the NFLPA are mining hundred dollar bills minute by minute and shirking their moral responsibility to the heroes that left it on the field without honestly giving back to these heroes to meet each need that presents itself on a daily basis.” The NFLPA trust fund has in excess of $964,000,000.00 which yields millions of dollars yearly at just 4% ( An average bank CD rate ) without paying the medical bills and living expenses of the few forgotten players that have real living needs. I have read the Congress Report, 185 pages, that Congressman Conyers and others in Congress, have stated the inadequate medical procedures and reviews of benefits that exist. Reggie we are with you and the other at need retired NFL players that are being treated like the dirt by the NFL, the NFLPA and the NFL team owners. Shame on all of them! I can be reached in Denver, 303-710-0115. God Bless you and may each day ahead be filled with ABUNDANT BLESSINGS!

]]> By: John Hogan http://retiredplayers.org/2008/11/05/former-bengal-reggie-williams-fighting-to-save-his-leg/comment-page-1/#comment-54 John Hogan Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:32:44 +0000 http://retiredplayers.org/?p=360#comment-54 Earl, The NFL Alumni office is in Ft. Lauderdale. It is my understanding that their original purpose was to assist retired players, but their main focus has been childrens' charities. The dire need assistance that they, or the PAT fund, the Gridiron Greats and Fourth & Goal might provide is no substitute for on-going disability income and medical benefits. John Hogan Earl,
The NFL Alumni office is in Ft. Lauderdale. It is my understanding that their original purpose was to assist retired players, but their main focus has been childrens’ charities. The dire need assistance that they, or the PAT fund, the Gridiron Greats and Fourth & Goal might provide is no substitute for on-going disability income and medical benefits.
John Hogan

]]> By: Earl Thomas http://retiredplayers.org/2008/11/05/former-bengal-reggie-williams-fighting-to-save-his-leg/comment-page-1/#comment-53 Earl Thomas Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:27:56 +0000 http://retiredplayers.org/?p=360#comment-53 These pictures need to be sent to all active players Earl Thomas These pictures need to be sent to all active players
Earl Thomas

]]> By: Earl Thomas http://retiredplayers.org/2008/11/05/former-bengal-reggie-williams-fighting-to-save-his-leg/comment-page-1/#comment-52 Earl Thomas Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:25:35 +0000 http://retiredplayers.org/?p=360#comment-52 My brother Jimmy that also played in this league sent me the e-mail showing Reggie and the problems that he is having.I was shocked and saddened by pictures of his knees.Unbelievable.I undersatnd that through the NFL Alumni that their are funds availiable for our own.Since the Headquarters is in Orlando, those funds through that office should be offered for assistance. We all need to pray for Reggie and ask god to protect Reggie.May God Bless you and keep you safe. Earl Thomas Houston Texas My brother Jimmy that also played in this league sent me the e-mail showing Reggie and the problems that he is having.I was shocked and saddened by pictures of his knees.Unbelievable.I undersatnd that through the NFL Alumni that their are funds availiable for our own.Since the Headquarters is in Orlando, those funds through that office should be offered for assistance.
We all need to pray for Reggie and ask god to protect Reggie.May God Bless you and keep you safe.
Earl Thomas
Houston Texas

]]> By: John Hogan http://retiredplayers.org/2008/11/05/former-bengal-reggie-williams-fighting-to-save-his-leg/comment-page-1/#comment-51 John Hogan Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:22:57 +0000 http://retiredplayers.org/?p=360#comment-51 Reggie's impairment clearly meets Social Security disability criteria. Not that SSA always does the right thing the first time, but they do have numerous rules and regulations in place so that you know what is needed to prove a case. Not so with the Bell/Rozelle Plan, where applying for disability is a crap shoot, and up to the discretion of the Retirment Board. Assuming that Reggie's case will untimately be granted by the Plan, the further crime is that the most he can hope for is "inactive" T&P as he has been out of the League for more than 15 years. Although the disability is clearly football-related, becoming disabled more than 15 years after playing disqualifies a retiree from getting the much higher-paying "football degenerative" benefit. Also, while NFL related, neither the League nor the NFLPA will not be providing any on-going medical coverage for disabled former players. These are a few of the changes that need to be made to the Plan. Reggie’s impairment clearly meets Social Security disability criteria. Not that SSA always does the right thing the first time, but they do have numerous rules and regulations in place so that you know what is needed to prove a case. Not so with the Bell/Rozelle Plan, where applying for disability is a crap shoot, and up to the discretion of the Retirment Board. Assuming that Reggie’s case will untimately be granted by the Plan, the further crime is that the most he can hope for is “inactive” T&P as he has been out of the League for more than 15 years. Although the disability is clearly football-related, becoming disabled more than 15 years after playing disqualifies a retiree from getting the much higher-paying “football degenerative” benefit. Also, while NFL related, neither the League nor the NFLPA will not be providing any on-going medical coverage for disabled former players. These are a few of the changes that need to be made to the Plan.

]]> By: Dave Pear http://retiredplayers.org/2008/11/05/former-bengal-reggie-williams-fighting-to-save-his-leg/comment-page-1/#comment-50 Dave Pear Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:34:31 +0000 http://retiredplayers.org/?p=360#comment-50 Dear Reggie, It truly saddens me to see how the NFL and our union the NFLPA have turned their backs on disabled and retired players. The NFLPA continues to violate ERISA law, HIPAA and conflicts of interest are pervasive throughout the league. The contempt they have for retired players is unfathomable. Greed is their motivation and they have NO shame. Please, continue to hang in there and be strong as we continue to expose their fraud. I only wish there was something more we could do to help. Sincerely, Dave & Heidi Pear Dear Reggie,
It truly saddens me to see how the NFL and our union the NFLPA have turned their backs on disabled and retired players. The NFLPA continues to violate ERISA law, HIPAA and conflicts of interest are pervasive throughout the league. The contempt they have for retired players is unfathomable. Greed is their motivation and they have NO shame. Please, continue to hang in there and be strong as we continue to expose their fraud. I only wish there was something more we could do to help.
Sincerely,
Dave & Heidi Pear

]]> By: Gordon A. Wright http://retiredplayers.org/2008/11/05/former-bengal-reggie-williams-fighting-to-save-his-leg/comment-page-1/#comment-49 Gordon A. Wright Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:04:26 +0000 http://retiredplayers.org/?p=360#comment-49 Orlando, Florida resident and NFL Offensive Guard 67,68,69,70 Eagles/Jets. Psalms 23,50,51 are some specific prayers to pray. my Chapel members and I will be praying theses prayers for you and with you Reggie. Christ Jesuswill send his healing angel Raphael touch your knee. In Jesus service. Orlando, Florida resident and NFL Offensive Guard 67,68,69,70 Eagles/Jets.
Psalms 23,50,51 are some specific prayers to pray.
my Chapel members and I will be praying theses prayers for you and with you Reggie. Christ Jesuswill send his healing angel Raphael touch your knee.
In Jesus service.

]]> By: Keith Simons http://retiredplayers.org/2008/11/05/former-bengal-reggie-williams-fighting-to-save-his-leg/comment-page-1/#comment-48 Keith Simons Wed, 05 Nov 2008 22:51:04 +0000 http://retiredplayers.org/?p=360#comment-48 I'm a 4 year NFL vet and played with Reggie in 3 college all-star games. I know thet Reggie is a stand-up guy. It's incomprehensible how the NFL and the NFLPA is treating this situation, as well as others. It's things like this that cheapen the "experience of a lifetime" of playing in the NFL. This is another case of how Amwerica eats it's young. Good luck Reggie. Keith Simons '76-'77 Chiefs, '78-'79 Cardinals I’m a 4 year NFL vet and played with Reggie in 3 college all-star games. I know thet Reggie is a stand-up guy. It’s incomprehensible how the NFL and the NFLPA is treating this situation, as well as others. It’s things like this that cheapen the “experience of a lifetime” of playing in the NFL. This is another case of how Amwerica eats it’s young. Good luck Reggie.

Keith Simons
‘76-’77 Chiefs, ‘78-’79 Cardinals

]]>