San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - The family of Junior Seau filed a wrongful
death lawsuit against the NFL on Wednesday, claiming the former linebacker's
suicide was the result of brain disease caused by violent hits he sustained
while playing football.
The suit, filed in California Superior Court, blames the NFL for its "acts or
omissions" that hid the dangers of repetitive blows to the head.
Seau died at age 43 of a self-inflicted gunshot in May 2012. Earlier this
month, posthumous tests revealed that Seau suffered from chronic traumatic
encephalopathy (CTE).
"Our attorneys will review it and respond to the claims appropriately through
the court," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement.
The family is also suing Riddell, Inc., the manufacturer of NFL helmets, for
its "negligent" design.
Seau spent 13 seasons with the Chargers, helping the franchise to their
only Super Bowl appearance after the 1994 season. He also played three years
for Miami and four more for New England before retiring after the 2009
campaign.
The Sports Network