HOFer Dent: Players in NFL treated like livestock

Richard Dent is one of eight plaintiffs leading the way in a lawsuit against the NFL. (USATSI)

Pro Football Hall of Famer Richard Dent was one of eight plaintiffs named in a lawsuit filed against the NFL this week. The suit, which is seeking an unspecified amount of damages for more than 500 retired players, claims that the league illegally supplied players with painkillers and narcotics without getting prescriptions or warning the players of possible side effects.

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Dent elaborated on why he decided to be part of the lawsuit. The former Bears defensive end said the suit isn't just for retired players, it's also for players who are in the league now.

"The reason we are taking a look at this is because of what is happening with the ballplayers now, to make it a better league," Dent said. "We want to make someone responsible for the after-care of the players who have built such a dynasty here in the game itself. It's all about [that] basically."

Part of the lawsuit has to do with the claim that the league kept feeding players pain pills so they could stay on the field. Dent said something has to be done about that or the players are just like livestock.

"It's not about me. It is [about] me and what I experienced and went through. There should be some accountability for what already is out and what is to come," Dent said. "Otherwise, we're like livestock. You know, some of us make it, some of us don't. Everyone knows about the wear and tear on the body and the possibility of getting paralyzed. I can have a great game [as a player], but I am not there [later in life] to take advantage of the game. So what the hell is that worth? Now it's time to start doing something about it."

With more than 500 players signed on to the lawsuit, the lawyers for the retired players are seeking class-action status for the case that was filed in San Francisco federal court.

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Anonymous Dolphins player says Miami's offense is reminiscent of Eagles' offense



Dolphins offensive coordinator Bill Lazor came to Miami this winter after spending last season as the Eagles' quarterbacks coach. So, these words from an anonymous Dolphins player to the Miami Herald about Lazor's offense make sense, even if they contain a bit of wishful thinking."It's reminiscent of Chip Kelly's offense in Philadelphia, with the tempo and style," said the player who did not want to be named. "... "There are some West Coast offense concepts. Some shotgun, some under center. They've discussed having both no huddle and huddle. It's fast tempo."The player also said Lazor "has a strong belief in the running game." Last season, the Dolphins ran the ball on just 35 percent of their plays.Wide receiver Mike Wallace added that Lazor is bringing in a "big-play offense."



An offensive attack similar to what Kelly did in his first year with the Eagles would be swell for everyone involved, but it's easy said than done. Lamar Miller and Knowshon Moreno would enjoy it since the Eagles called running plays about half of the time. However, there isn't a LeSean McCoy in Miami's backfield; those carries are likely to be split between the two runners, lowering the fantasy stock of each.Mike Wallace could ostensibly play the DeSean Jackson role. The Dolphins don't have a stud second receiver, similar to the Eagles last year as well. But can Ryan Tannehill put on his best Nick Foles impersonation? To successfully run this offense, he will need to improve his long-distance accuracy and ball security.The Eagles recorded 80 plays of at least 20 yards last season, the most in the league by far. The Dolphins recorded 47 such plays, which put them in a tie for 20th. As long as the Dolphins can meet the tempo that Lazor desires, all of their players will have increased chances of scoring fantasy points. But I seriously doubt they will be as successful as the Eagles.I wouldn't use this story as a reason to change anybody's fantasy value. You see pieces like this all of the time in the summer and into the preseason; that doesn't mean they will all come true. Tannehill is a mid-range QB2, and Wallace is a WR3 after a disappointing first season with the 'Phins.