A proposed class action filed against the National Football League (NFL) alleges decades of drug abuse perpetrated by team medical officials. Specifically, the lawsuit claims that NFL players were routinely given prescription pain medication in an effort to get them back on the playing field, in contravention to medically accepted practices and Federal drug laws.

The suit explains that players were neither warned of the dangers to their long-term health, nor told of the potential for misuse and dependence. It further alleges that the NFL has been aware of the issue for years and recently sought to curb the use of certain prescription drugs.

Plaintiffs are seeking economic and non-economic damages from the NFL, along with enhanced medical monitoring.