NFL keeps wife of ex-player with dementia out of meeting about disabilities

December 14, 8:52 AMSports ExaminerPaula Duffy

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Shame on Harry Carson. Although he has been a staunch supporter of the plight of ex-NFL players who are ill and unable to care for themselves or pay for their own care, on this point he made a big mistake.

The league set up a meeting for private discussions between it and retired players relating to the issues of their health needs, disability benefits and medical care, Eleanor Perfetto wife of Ralph Wenzel who suffers from dementia was denied access. Wenzel played for the Steelers and Chargers  from 1966 to 1973.

The league had heard from her prior to the meeting date and she was told the ex-player attendees wanted it to be a private affair. But Ms. Perfetto isn't just any wife, She is director for health policy at Pfizer and specifically wanted to be at the table to represent her husband who if he were able would have attended.

Her point is a good one. If the NFL wants to understand what it takes to try and care for a player that can't help himself any longer, the caregiver should be heard. Harry Carson's point of view was that of an older gentleman who is used to being courteous and respectful around women. Nothing wrong with that. But when the excuse of being afraid to use strong language with women in the room overrides hearing a factual account of what life is like for the very players and families that are the subject of the meeting then that is pure nonsense.

Carson did say that perhaps an exception should be made for Perfetto and others in the future whose spouses are unable to sit at the table and contribute. You think?