Last month, Aaron Hernandez’s fiancé, Shayanna Jenkins, filed a lawsuit against the NFL and the New England Patriots on behalf of her daughter, accusing the two parties of withholding information about Hernandez’s condition. After an autopsy, Boston University researchers found that the former tight end suffered from the most severe case of CTE for his age.
In the suit, Jenkins claimed Hernandez’s employers were aware of the links between suicidal impulses and CTE, but failed to share the information with the baller. She also accused the league of being “fully aware” of the damage that comes along with the sport, but failed to “treat or protect him from the dangers of such damage.” As a result, Jenkins demanded compensation for the “loss of parental consortium.”
Since then, attorneys for Hernandez have refiled the lawsuit, naming Football helmet maker Riddell. However, the helmet maker says it plans to defend its products and reputation against all concussion-related lawsuits, including the one filed on behalf of Hernandez’s daughter.
According to reports, the company says it introduced helmets designed to lessen concussion risks over a decade ago.
Although the initial lawsuit was filed in federal court, the refiling was placed in the state of Massachusetts. Boston Globe reports that a separate lawsuit is expected to be added at a later date, naming the New England Patriots.
