Post by TheShadow on Jun 1, 2007 4:36:26 GMT -5
Associated Press
Gene Upshaw was taken aback when he first saw the list of retired NFL players applying for financial help under a new program to help those with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
"I played with or against quite a few of these guys," the executive director of the NFL players' union said yesterday. "I knew one or two were having problems, but I never knew the extent."
Upshaw, a hall-of-fame guard for the Oakland Raiders from 1968-82, is one of four people being honoured tonight by the Alzheimer's Association of New York for helping start the "88" plan. It provides up to $88,000 (U.S.) from the NFL and the union to help with the care of players afflicted with dementia or related brain problems.
Since the plan took effect Feb.1, 35 retired players have been approved for aid, with 19 more applications pending.
Gene Upshaw was taken aback when he first saw the list of retired NFL players applying for financial help under a new program to help those with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
"I played with or against quite a few of these guys," the executive director of the NFL players' union said yesterday. "I knew one or two were having problems, but I never knew the extent."
Upshaw, a hall-of-fame guard for the Oakland Raiders from 1968-82, is one of four people being honoured tonight by the Alzheimer's Association of New York for helping start the "88" plan. It provides up to $88,000 (U.S.) from the NFL and the union to help with the care of players afflicted with dementia or related brain problems.
Since the plan took effect Feb.1, 35 retired players have been approved for aid, with 19 more applications pending.