Dave Pear Wishes He Had Never Played

The previous entry I did about Dave Pear and his ongoing fight to get more benefits for himself and other retired players didn't adequately convey just how injured Pear is and how much he really hates football these days. Yahoo! Sports has a much more comprehensive (if a little heavy handed) article.

"The NFL destroys families," Pear said. "I wish I had never played."

You don't usually hear that from former players, even the ones who are taking on the system. For the most part, they all say that they loved the game and wouldn't take it back. But not Pear. Pear's back and neck are fucked. He spends most of his days in a recliner because he can't move, and therefore can't work. The NFL pays him precisely $484 per month in retirement benefits. On drugs alone, Pear spends over $1,000 per month. Yeah, I'd probably be regretting playing, too.

But don't immediately jump to the conclusion that the league is intentionally depriving Pear from his money.

The problem is that under federal law, someone who takes pension early is no longer allowed to get disability. That decision has potentially cost Pear hundreds of thousands of dollars because the disability benefit is so much greater than his pension.

I'm not sure I understand why the law is that way. Pension and disability are two separate benefits that are awarded for different reasons. But, the law is the law and it was this way when Pear chose to take an early pension.

Pear said he was duped into taking his pension rather than continuing to wait for disability. The NFLPA flatly denies that, but Pear emotionally contends otherwise.

So that's the real question. Was he intentionally misled into taking the bird in the hand? The league obviously knew there was a problem inherent in offering early pensions because they stopped allowing it in 1993. It's an interesting question and good article. Except for the way it ends.

Despite all his medical problems, he still looks relatively healthy, like a man who should be enjoying the beauty of the Northwest, perhaps walking by a lake or hiking a trail. Instead, the only water he touches these days is the trail of tears he dabs off his face.

I realize part of the purpose of the article was to make Pear a sympathetic character, but jeez, leave the man a little dignity.