Fred Taylor isn’t happy with the NFL following his latest visit to the doctor.
The former Jacksonville Jaguars running back tweeted after visiting a hospital and undergoing a full orthopedic exam on Wednesday, it was revealed he had partially torn labrums in each shoulder and a fractured clavicle. Taylor said he was never told of the injuries during his career and said he wondered why he’d been experiencing fatigue and post-career pain.
Taylor also claimed the league denied his Line of Duty claim three times, a benefit given to players dealing with “substantial disablement” more than one year after an injury occurred.
The 13-year veteran said NFL doctors intentionally overlooked his injuries he’s plagued on a regular basis.
Taylor tweeted his injury problems led to the nickname “fragile Freddy,” an unfair moniker considering the suffering he’s gone through.
They gave me this stupid nickname "fragile Freddy" after I had TORN my groin off the bone. Somehow it 2 was diagnosed as a minor strain
Taylor’s claims shouldn’t surprise anyone, as the NFL has done a subpar job when dealing with retired NFL players affected by injuries. Did the league intentionally cover up Taylor’s ailments? It’s impossible to know. But, it’s not a good sign Taylor discovered multiple undiagnosed injuries when visiting doctors. Player safety should be the NFL’s number one priority.
If Taylor was intentionally misdiagnosed, it’s a massive problem for the NFL. No player should have to deal with unnecessary pain. Taylor’s public call hopefully encourages the league to be more honest and upfront about medical issues – otherwise, it’s another lawsuit waiting to happen.
[ESPN]