Compensation For Injuries on the Field

For John, BLUF:  Do you think Massachusetts pays workers comp to injured pro atheletes.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

From the San Jose Mercury we have this item on atheletes collecting state Workers Compensation.

SACRAMENTO (AP) — California’s workers’ compensation system has awarded millions of dollars in benefits for job-related injuries to thousands of professional athletes, including many who played for out-of-state teams, according to a report.

Sports leagues and their insurers are working to stop the practice, which has paid an estimated $747 million to about 4,500 players since the early 1980s, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Some of the athletes played as little as one game in California.  Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis, a former Super Bowl Most Valuable Player, got a $199,000 settlement for injuries related to football.  This came despite the fact Davis was on the roster of a Colorado team and played just nine times in the Golden State♠ during an 88-game career, the newspaper said.  Among other sports stars receiving settlements were NBA star Moses Malone, who was awarded $155,000, and Dallas Cowboys great Michael Irvin, who received $249,000.

I think that over the long run it will turn out that there isn't enough money for us to compensate everyone for every injury.  We are going to have to prioritize.  Or, as Law Professor Glenn Reynolds often says, "What can't go on, won't go on."

Hat tip to my Brother Lance.

Regards  —  Cliff

♠  Yes, they still call themselves the Golden State.