Has The National Football League Committed A Crime By Covering Up The Effects Of CTE?

• In Event: White-Collar Crime at 75: Industries and Case Studies II

Abstract

This paper examines the National Football League’s (NFL) attempts to conceal information about the effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Using Robert Agnew’s expanded definition of criminality, the harmfulness of this behavior will be examined as well as the unjustified (blameworthy) cover-up of this information by the NFL. Additionally, the state’s response to this behavior will be given particular attention as the NFL continues to operate as an unregulated monopsonistic trade federation. This intentional lack of governmental oversight contributes to a culture where workplace safety has been largely neglected by the League and ignored by the general public.

Authors

• Peter R. Stevenson, Keene State College

• Niall Moran, Keene State College