Mike Ditka

6 Stories

Ditka on NFL Protests: 'No Oppression in Last 100 Years'

Former coach says protesting athletes should 'go to another country'

(Newser) - If Mike Ditka were still at the helm of an NFL team, he'd perhaps do more than bench athletes who disrespect the US flag during the national anthem, as Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has threatened to do . "I would say 'adios,'" the former coach...

Mike Ditka Has 'Minor Stroke'
 Mike Ditka Has 'Minor Stroke' 

Mike Ditka Has 'Minor Stroke'

Former coach says 'it's no big deal'

(Newser) - Mike Ditka suffered a "very minor stroke" yesterday and ended up in the hospital, he tells the Chicago Tribune . "I feel good right now and it's not a big deal," says the 73-year-old. Still, he won't be working for ESPN this NFL weekend, according to...

Upshaw Unfazed by NFL's Pension Tension

Players Association won't help ex-players with current funds

(Newser) - Robbing Peter to pay Paul is not the answer to the NFL's pension woes, at least not in Gene Upshaw's eyes. The NFL Players Association will not take from the pensions of current players to help former players, says the group's leader, who's at the center of a storm of...

Ditka Versus Da Charity
Ditka Versus Da Charity

Ditka Versus Da Charity

Dissolves fund he established for ex-players

(Newser) - Hall of Fame Assistance Trust was little more than friends "just mailing out checks to Hall of Famers we knew were having problems," according to the legendary player, coach and founder of the organization, Mike Ditka. Ditka announced yesterday that he will dissolve the charity, which gave away...

House to Examine NFL Disability
House to Examine NFL Disability

House to Examine NFL Disability

(Newser) - The disability system for NFL players will receive additional scrutiny now that a House committee with "serious questions" about it has commissioned a Congressional Research Service study, the Baltimore Sun reports. The committee wants to find "why only a small percentage of former players receive disability benefits in...

Union Under Fire From Ditka
Union Under Fire From Ditka

Union Under Fire From Ditka

Mounting evidence of brain injuries caused by football drives debate

(Newser) - Mike Ditka, the celebrated NFL coach who once helped subvert the 1987 players' union strike, has recently added his voice to a growing chorus of players and coaches concerned that the union is not doing enough for its retired players. The discussion is spurred by ongoing revelations of the long-term...

6 Stories