Detroit Lions C Dominic Raiola will never think about suing the league after retirement - NFL News
The National Football League (NFL) is facing a multitude of lawsuits from former players who blame the league for not educating players on the effects of concussions. However, there is one player in the twilight of his career who finds it hard to agree with
the litigants.
Detroit Lions centre, Dominic Raiola has taken his fair share of hits over the course of his 11-year career but has no plans to sue the league after retirement.
Speaking with the Detroit Free Press on Tuesday, the burly centre said that every player knows that there will be a toll on their bodies when they enter the game and everyone knows what they are signing up for.
"I think when you sign up for this job, you know what you're getting into.”
Adding further he said.
“Whatever happens is going to happen, whether it be short-term memory loss. Those are all the rigors of this job. That’s why it’s not for everybody. It takes a unique individual to play this.”
The league is facing lawsuits in courtrooms across the United States with former players blaming the league’s lack of instruction and knowledge sharing over concussions as the main reason they suffer from mental problems and brain diseases.
Raiola though does not agree and said that after playing the game with some of the best players it is worth the sacrifice.
“It’s worth it. It’s totally worth it. This is the best job in the world. I’d never trade it for anything, so I don’t know if I could justify suing the league when I’m done, because it’s given me up to this point, 11 years. I have fun every time I step on
the field, and I think that’s what it’s all about.”
The centre went on to say that when he is retired he won’t even think of suing the league but will be reminiscing on the great times he had playing the game.
Raiola has spent 11-years with the Detroit Lions since being drafted in the second round by the franchise in 2001.
The centre though did not have a trophy laden career with Detroit playing out losing seasons for 10 of those 11 seasons with last year being the first time that the franchise reached the playoffs since 1999.
This year Raiola will be hoping for another winning year as the Lions build up a competitive roster.
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