Rugby league concussion lawsuit: Practically two-thirds of claimants ‘confirmed CTE signs’

One of many claimants within the rugby league case is Roy Heaney, 64, who performed for Wigan and Salford within the Eighties having initially performed soccer for Liverpool reserves and Bolton Wanderers. He has been recognized with early-onset dementia and possible CTE.

He instructed PJDM Sport he sustained common concussions throughout his careers in each soccer and rugby league.

“There is not any means your mind can maintain that type of harm,” he mentioned.

“I’ve had points for about 25 years which have affected me – my character, my high quality of life has suffered, I’ve misplaced jobs due to my points with mind harm, relationships have failed, it is affected all components of my life.

“I by no means dreamed for one minute that from my mid-30s onwards I’d wrestle with problems with my mind. None of us signed up for that.

“I used to be seeing issues, I used to be listening to issues. I had terrible ideas, actually darkish moments the place I assumed ‘why am I right here? I am a burden on my household’. I would misplaced my profession, wasn’t working and was residing on advantages.

“I needed to retire after which grew to become very insular and withdrew. My short-term reminiscence grew to become non-existent.”

Heaney claims the care he acquired whereas coaching and taking part in matches throughout his rugby league profession was inadequate.

“We would be given smelling salts, sponge on the neck, again out and play,” he mentioned.

“After the weekend you’d are available feeling sick, dizzy, complications. The remedy you’d obtain can be a few paracetamol, and a sizzling tub. That is not care.”

In a press release, Wigan Warriors mentioned: “We’re sorry to listen to of the well being difficulties of certainly one of our former gamers. After a profession in skilled soccer, Roy performed 9 video games for Wigan Rugby League within the years 1980/81 and we wish to let him and his household know that he’s in our ideas at this tough time.”

Salford had been approached for remark.