DeMaurice Smith Statement on Article 50

The concerns we have about Dr. Chao remain. The fact is that despite having previous malpractice liability judgements against him, neither the Chargers nor the NFL initiated an inquiry or provided any oversight of the doctor the team selected to provide care for our players. This Article 50 and any subsequent investigations will be initiated when there is credible evidence that calls into question the treatment given to a player and the overall medical care being provided by team selected doctors.

The NFLPA will take every step to hold the NFL and its member clubs accountable to provide the care that they are mandated to provide. Dr. Chao's previous medical liability issues only increases our desire to engage in a thorough and comprehensive credentialing process to determine which physicians are providing care to our players and how they were selected by the teams.

-- DeMaurice Smith, NFLPA Executive Director