One of the dark sides of pro football is the toll the game takes on players, leaving some with permanent brain injuries brought on by concussions. Seven former NFL players are suing the league over its handling of concussion-related injuries, alleging teams trained players to hit in ways that led to head injuries, failed to properly treat concussions and tried to hide links between the game and brain injuries.

The AP reports the new suit, which seeks class-action status, follows a like-minded legal effort launched last month by 75 former players who contend the league has known for decades about the links between football and concussions but concealed the information until last year.

A lawyer who is representing the group of seven players says post-retirement medical coverage falls fall short of what players — some who suffered injuries so severe they can’t work — need to get by.

An NFL spokesman said the league has yet to review the suit but will “vigorously defend” itself against such claims.

McMahon, ex-players sue NFL, claim negligence over concussions [AP via CBS Sports]

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