The Redskins recently requested a joint review of left tackle Trent Williams‘ medical records, but that won’t be happening. At Williams’ request, the NFLPA will not cooperate with an investigation into Williams’ health, as players union chief DeMaurice Smith told Junks Radio (Twitter link via Craig Hoffman of 106.7 The Fan).
“Our union will continue to support Trent,” Smith said in a statement. “Although he has asked us to not pursue a formal review of his treatment, we will consider all legal action if the affirmative disinformation campaign and the leaking of his private medical records does not stop. Doctors have an ethical obligation to treat our men as patients first regardless of where their check comes from. It is our job to ensure that they honor that duty and if we find that the have not, we must then hold the physician accountable to the CB and their medical licensing authority.”
Williams first noticed the growth in 2013, but he says Redskins doctors told him the issue was not severe. However, he’s since been diagnosed with Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP), a “soft tissue sarcoma that develops in the deep layers of the skin.” This offseason, the Redskins sent Williams to a hospital where the condition was finally recognized, and he had an operation during the winter to remove the growth.
As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk notes, Williams doesn’t have much of an incentive to agree to a joint review of his medical records. Even if the Redskins were found to be at fault, Washington would likely be only be fined for its actions. Additionally, once Williams’ medical information is disclosed, there is a chance his records could be leaked.
Williams, of course, recently reported to the Redskins after sitting out most of the season. He didn’t pass his physical after reporting pain due to his helmet, and Washington is now searching for a more comfortable helmet. If the club can’t provide Williams with suitable head gear, he may be placed on the non-football injury list, ending his 2019 season before it begins.
Definitely an odd situation. I hope he is fine and can resume his career.
I don’t understand the helmet situation though. He clearly played from 2013 till 2018. Why didn’t he have discomfort for 5 years?
As I understand it, the discomfort is due to the surgical removal of the growth.
Your probably right, but from spring to Nov is a long time to heal. And if that’s true, the discomfort, he would have failed all of the other teams physicals that would have voided any trade right?
Because he didn’t have his head cut open…..
Hmmm. Sounds like they don’t think it would help there cause. Why not cooperate? Your doctors would be there too.
Didn’t read the article, huh? There are a couple reasons spelled out clearly for why he might not have agreed to it.
This is America in 2019, we don’t read articles before commenting on them, come on! Get with the times!
Post of the day!
Headlineitis!
If he goes on the Non Football Injury list doesn’t he not get paid?
Makes you suspicious that his med records might show that the Redskins team docs did tell him to get his head checked out.
I agree. If the Skins doctors said ‘don’t worry about it’. That would be a pretty easy lawsuit.
Good thing Washington held onto him. You wouldn’t want a draft pick when you can get all this free publicity. Not to mention that, with 4 teams tied with one win, you certainly don’t want to laser in on the #2 pick, when the #5 is within reach.