Judge deals blow to ex-players’ drugs lawsuit against NFL

A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed the bulk of the charges levied by retired players against NFL teams alleging years of improper handling and administration of pain medication.

The judge said the players had largely failed to demonstrate that their medical problems in retirement are tied to the drugs they received during their playing careers or the way their teams administered pain medication to them.

Despite a scathing rebuke directed at the retired players and their attorneys suing the league’s 32 teams, U.S. Judge William Alsup permitted claims against three teams to continue, effectively allowing a significantly-pruned lawsuit to move forward.

Alsup’s order didn’t address accusations that teams violated federal laws that govern the handling and transport of painkillers and other controlled substances.

It instead focused on whether the ex-players had satisfactorily explained the health damages they suffered, what caused them and whether their claims are barred by statute of limitations.

The judge’s ruling on the NFL teams’ motion to dismiss the case was a significant setback for 14 ex-players who were named as plaintiffs in the case and another 1,800 former players who potentially would be included in a class-action suit if they get certified.

In his ruling, Alsup said he felt the ex-players were given ample opportunity in two amended complaints to make their case. He scolded them for repeating conspiracy claims he’d already tossed out and suggested they did so intentionally.