O.J. Simpson, NFL Witness in Landmark CTE Case
In March 1970, Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson served as a witness in a groundbreaking court case that shaped the NFL’s response to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The lawsuit, brought by the family of a paralyzed football player, Ernie Pelton, alleged negligence by helmet manufacturer Rawlings Sporting Goods.
Simpson, a revered figure in the NFL at the time, testified on behalf of Rawlings, defending the safety of their plastic helmets. His testimony, according to the Sacramento Bee, charmed the jury. Simpson asserted his faith in the helmet’s effectiveness, despite acknowledging the inherent risks of football.
The jury ultimately ruled in favor of Rawlings, setting a precedent that shielded the NFL from addressing the dangers of CTE for years to come. Industry experts believe that a verdict against Rawlings would have had significant repercussions for the sport.
While some victories against helmet makers emerged in the following years, helmet makers and the NFL largely avoided major financial repercussions due to the Pelton case ruling. The NFL, despite growing awareness of the prevalence of CTE among its players, turned a blind eye, perpetuating the idea of risk assumption by players.
Simpson’s Silence on CTE
In 2018, Simpson expressed concerns about potential CTE from his playing days, admitting to suffering concussions. However, he chose not to donate his brain for analysis, leaving behind unanswered questions. Dr. Bennet Omalu, who first linked CTE to football, believes Simpson likely suffered from the disease.
Changing Attitudes and the Legacy of Neglect
The NFL’s stance on helmet safety has evolved in recent years, with the league implementing laboratory testing and approving safer helmets. However, some experts argue that these measures are insufficient, and that the league’s focus on advertising and public relations campaigns deflects from addressing the underlying problem.
The Pelton family remains critical of Simpson’s role, believing his testimony swayed the jury against them. The secretive nature of Simpson’s brain analysis adds to their grief, as they believe it could have shed light on the true toll of repetitive head trauma in football.
The NFL’s complacency towards CTE has had dire consequences for many players and their families. Simpson’s role in the 1970 trial, coupled with his decision not to donate his brain for research, stands as a testament to a legacy of deception and the NFL’s failure to protect its players from the dangers of the game.
