2 Former Football Players Sue NCAA, Alleging Neglect of Head Injuries

Two former college-football players sued the National Collegiate Athletic Association on Wednesday, saying the NCAA has neglected to enforce measures to protect players from concussions and has failed to create a collegewide system for screening head injuries, according to a news release issued by the law firm of Hagens Berman, which is representing the plaintiffs. Derek K. Owens, a former wide receiver for the University of Central Arkansas, says he suffered serious head injuries and preventable brain trauma but did not receive immediate medical attention. Alex Rucks, a former offensive lineman for Northwestern University, says he received a serious head injury that resulted in concussion-like symptoms, but the NCAA never checked to see if it was a concussion. Mr. Owens says he has suffered memory loss, headaches, an inability to concentrate, and other symptoms. The lawsuit, which seeks class-action status, is the second of its kind filed against the NCAA this month by a former football player.