Potential Legal Consequences Following Steelers, Browns Game

During the November 14, 2019 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns, a fight broke out between Browns’ defensive lineman, Myles Garrett, and Steelers’ quarterback, Mason Rudolph. After a play ended with Garrett tackling Rudolph to the ground, both men engaged in a physical altercation, which ended with Garrett taking off Rudolph’s helmet and striking Rudolph in the head with it. In response, some other players from the Steelers, including Maurkice Pouncey, brought Garrett to the ground and started kicking and punching him.

The …

March 12, 2015 NFL

Ex-Steeler Entitled to Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania

In a March 4, 2015 decision, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania awarded former center Chukwunweze Sonume (“Chukky”) Okobi $779 per week in workers’ compensation benefits, along with awarding over $22,000 in attorney’s fees and costs, due to multiple injuries sustained during his time in the National Football League.

Okobi played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2001 to 2007, and then was signed by the Arizona Cardinals in 2007 and Houston Texans in 2008. In 2009, Okobi filed a claim for workers’ compensation benefits against the …

March 5, 2015 Litigation / NFL

Super Bowl Seating Trial Underway; Angry Fans Claim NFL Greedy

On Monday, March 2, a jury was selected and the trial finally began in the 2011 Super Bowl seating snafu lawsuit that was brought by eight plaintiffs seeking damages for their unsatisfactory experience at the game

In 2011, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl held in the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium in Arlington Texas. Some ticket holding patrons, however, missed it. The eight plaintiffs in this lawsuit, in addition to 200 other plaintiffs in a second pending lawsuit, are suing …

September 11, 2013 Contract / NFL

Former Steelers Player Loses Appeal for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania

On August 29, 2013, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania ruled against former Pittsburgh Steelers player Ainsley T. Battles in a claim for workers’ compensation benefits based on a ruling that Battles’ injury did not result in a compensable loss of earnings.

The Steelers signed Battles to a one-year contract in 2004-2005, however, his season unfortunately ended during Week One when claimant tore his left hamstring. The team physician, Dr. James Bradley, performed surgery three days after the injury and Battles underwent a lengthy period of …