couple high profile workouts. Perhaps the most anticipated

NEW YORK -- Five former NFL players, including six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Neil Smith, are suing the union for not providing accurate information about the risk of head injuries. The lawsuit on behalf of Smith, Ladell Betts, Anthony Davis, Christian Ballard and Gregory Westbrooks was filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, with the plaintiffs claiming the NFL Players Association "withheld information from the players about the risks of head injuries." The former players are seeking medical monitoring and financial compensation for long-term chronic injuries, financial losses, expenses and intangible losses. It refers to the "pathological and debilitating effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) caused by concussive and sub-concussive impacts." The players named former union presidents Trace Armstrong, Troy Vincent and Kevin Mawae in the suit. "This lawsuit has no merit and we will defend our union and our past presidents," the NFLPA said in a statement. "It erroneously alleges that the NFLPA knowingly and fraudulently concealed from players the risks of head injuries players faced by playing in NFL games and practices over the last several decades. "The NFLPA has made the health and safety of its members a priority and the advancements in professional football on concussion education, prevention and treatment are a result of our efforts." The lawsuit notes that the players paid dues to the union, which assured them their best interests would be protected. But, the plaintiffs say, that did not happen. "We believe that the most important resource in the NFL is the players, and the most essential part of a players body is the brain," said attorney Kevin Regan, who is representing the players in the lawsuit. "Considering the millions of dollars received as dues from NFLPA members, the NFLPA did not do enough to protect its members from traumatic brain injury." The union also is accused of "engaging in a campaign of disinformation designed to dispute accepted and valid research regarding the connection between repetitive head injuries or concussions and degenerative brain disease; and to create a falsified body of research that the NFLPA could cite as proof that truthful and accepted neuroscience on the subject was inconclusive and subject to doubt." Smith spent 13 seasons in the NFL, nine with Kansas City, and was one of the games top defensive players. He retired in 2000. Betts was a running back for nine seasons, the first eight with Washington. He retired in 2010. Davis played eight seasons with four teams and won a Super Bowl with Baltimore after the 2000 season, his last year in the league. Ballard, a defensive end in 2011 and 2012, left the Vikings last September. Coincidentally, he is being represented by the union in a grievance concerning about $240,000 in 2013 salary that he collected but the team is trying to recoup. Westbrooks, now 61, played parts of seven seasons from 1975-81 as a linebacker and special teamer with four clubs. Phillip Gaines Jersey . The third-ranked Buckeyes were down eight points to Notre Dame with less than 2 minutes to play and their offence was nowhere to be found. Chris Ivory Bills Jersey . Catch the action live on TSN2 at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt. The Wild lead the Northwest Division and look to get back into the win column after having a season-high seven-game winning streak cut short with Tuesdays 2-1 loss at Winnipeg in the finale of a five-game road trip (4-1-0). http://www.authenticbillsfanaticfootball.com/authentic-vontae-davis-bills-jersey/ . Neither side would publicly confirm or deny any discussions were taking place, until the near unexpected happened. On Saturday night sources confirmed to TSN, the league and players agreed to terms on a new, tentative CBA, pending ratification by the unions players. A league source confirmed the CFLs board of governors must also ratify any potential agreement. Star Lotulelei Jersey . -- During a players meeting following the All-Star break, Jermaine ONeal promised his teammates to play the rest of the regular season like he would never play again -- because he very well might not. Star Lotulelei Bills Jersey . Rinne had surgery on his left hip May 9 and recovered in time to start the season. He then had arthroscopic surgery on Oct. 24 because of a bacterial infection in his hip.Each year the NFL Combine – the annual prospect Olympics – marks the time when all draft speculation, and of course smokescreens, kick into high gear. But while the recent trend is for top prospects to skip drills at the showcase, opting instead to perform at pro days and private workouts, this years combine will treat teams to at least a couple high profile workouts. Perhaps the most anticipated showing will be top prospect Jadeveon Clowneys 40-yard dash. The dominant pass rusher says he is aiming for a time of 4.4 in the drill, unheard of for a defensive end. To put his target time in perspective, that time would have put him among the top performers at last years Combine, a group populated by receivers, defennsive backs, and running backs, most of whom Clowney outweighs by nearly 100 pounds.dddddddddddd The Combine will also feature one of the top quarterbacks in UCFs Blake Bortles participating in all throwing drills. While Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater - who along with Bortles are the consensus top prospects QB - will attend the Combine, Bortles throwing will give both scouts and fans an early in-depth look at a potential Top 5 pick. In total 330 prospects will turn out to Indianapolis this weekend, looking to wow teams with their measurables and boost their draft stock. The Combine could also be some prospects undoing as height, weight, and speed numbers can no longer be fudged by their college teams. ' ' '