The drug Toradol, the NFL and lawyer Christopher Seeger are scrimmaging.
Past players beginning with retired Giants fullback Jim Finn filed lawsuits alleging insufficient protection and “covering up concussion risks.”
Joe Horn, Pro Bowl receiver whose 1996 to 2007 career includes 600 catches for the Chiefs, Saints and Falcons, became another plaintiff in New Jersey federal court last week December.
Dec. 5 Seeger, lead attorney in Merck’s $4.85 billion settlement over its Vioxx, told Yahoo Sports his 12 ex-football players were “administered a drug . . . basically a painkiller . . . even when they didn’t have symptoms. Experts say that’s the worst thing you can do for a brain injury or concussion.”
His complaint describes “a pre-game locker room. Players lining up to receive injections . . . no warnings of any sort being given . . . regardless of whether the player had an injury of any kind.”
Seeger told me: “It’s long-term effects. It’s a rough sport. You expect injuries. Made by Roche but involving other companies, this drug has risks. Players, suited up for the game, lined up in a cattle call. Like giving aspirin to a boxer, it’s OK in some cases. But this misuse, resulting in mild cognitive problems, was basically to withstand pain.”
Per league spokesman Greg Aiello: The NFL makes “player safety a priority and continues to do so. Allegations that we intentionally sought to mislead players have no merit.” It’s “in contrast to the league’s actions to better protect players and advance the science and medical understanding of the management and treatment of concussions.”
What judgment is Seeger seeking?
“Impossible to say. We haven’t put in an amount. Probably somewhere around the high end of seven figures. We’re really seeking medical benefits and compensation. These cases can take years. We tried working this out, but discussions didn’t lead to any settlement. At some point maybe all the lawyers will get together.
“For their convenience or whatever the reason, the NFL is trying to get the venue changed to Pennsylvania.”
MARSHA Mason selling her New Mexico organic farm. Moving back east, where whoever appreciates the world’s best city with the highest taxes wants to live . . . Anyone know Long Island’s stand-up comic Amy Schumer, who did a Comedy Central special, first female comedian ever on Ellen DeGeneres’ show, is cousin to Sen. Chuck Schumer? . . . Jaime King schlepped through Southern California’s holiday heat wearing earmuffs.
PORTUGAL’s Algarve cooking up its sixth annual International Gourmet Festival Jan. 13 to 23. Co-sponsors include Nespresso, BMW, Hugo Boss, Mumm Champagne, plus 20 Michelin star chefs from Finland, the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, and a pile from NYC like superdelicious Laurent Gras and the Spotted Pig’s April Bloomfield. Also, for whomever OD’d on wine-tasting and whose 2012 resolution is to diet, there are chocolate-making lessons.
JOHN Lithgow saw “Chinglish” at the Longacre. Author David Henry Hwang was in his “M. Butterfly”. . . Sean Lennon walking 19th and Sixth. His woman companion talking nonstop. His facial expression staying blank nonstop . . . Phaedra Parks of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” stood in line 8 a.m. Black Friday at Atlanta’s Saks Fifth . . . Uma Thurman, solo, exiting 276 Fifth . . . Joy Philbin at Rock Center’s Banana Republic buying a Regis-size maroon men’s sweater.
SIR Ian McKellen: “No doubt Shakespeare was gay. His predilection was evident from his works. An unmistakenly feminine portrait of his patron Henry Wriothesley adds evidence that early sonnets to ‘fair youth’ were probably meant for males.
“Married, with children, he left his wife in Stratford to live in London. I’d say he slept with men. ‘The Merchant of Venice,’ centering on how the world treats gays as well as Jews, has a love triangle between an older man, younger man and a woman. And complexity in his comedies with cross-dressing and disguises is immense. Shakespeare obviously enjoyed sex with men as well as women.”
MATT Damon into directing because “The more you act the more you realize the director has all the power.” . . . Iowa boasts assorted colleges, universities and institutes of higher learning. I refrain from mentioning which, but information is that one will not be distributing diplomas this year. The sheep died . . . And let it be known Sting is now producing really fine wine.
LAWYER Marty Todtman invited Jewish friends to celebrate Christmas at East 58th’s Land of Plenty. Since the new Chinese restaurant has no liquor license yet, he ran home and produced two bottles of Pinot Grigio — “kosher from Israel.”
Only in New York, kids, only in New York.