9th Circuit Revives Players' Class Action Against NFL Over Alleged Painkiller Abuse

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday revived a class action against the National Football League by a group of athletes who claim they have permanent injuries and chronic medical conditions because they were plied with controlled substances and prescription drugs during their professional playing days. Ten players — led by Hall of Fame defense end Richard Dent — allege that they were given opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and surgical anesthetics without any warning about the side effects, to mask injuries and keep them on the field. The ...