David Givens, former wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans, is suing the Titans for $25 million. Givens alleges that the club withheld medical information from him and let him play despite the fact that medical opinion stated that his knee would not hold up for the entire NFL season.
Givens, 29, injured his knee in Week 10 of the 2006 season against the Ravens. He has had multiple surgeries and has been unable to return to action.
His attorney, Dan Warlick, told Nashville television station WTVF, "His knee just exploded on him. He's had multiple surgeries, and it can't be fixed so that he can play football again."
According to Given's attorney, then-Titans general manager Floyd Reese and coach Jeff Fisher were given a memo about a physical examination for Givens taken before the 2006 season. He was signed to a five year contract with the Titans for $24 millions. Givens spent the prior four seasons with the New England Patriots.
The information that Warlick, Given's attorney, alleges was never given to his client was reported on WTVF:
"Dr. Byrd is concerned about his ability to play for very long. His left knee has a large defect on the medial femoral condyle and may need surgery at some point. Dr. Byrd is concerned that he will miss some time and not be able to go through all of training camp and may not be able to make a full 16-game season."
Given's attorney claims that if Givens had his knee repaired before blowing it out, he could still be playing in the NFL. Givens stated he never saw the medical information until now.
Titans coach Fisher told WTVF: "We would under no circumstances subject a player to potentially worsening the injury."
The case will go to court despite Fisher's statement. Given's former agent, Brad Blank, told the Tennessean that the suit isn't about money. "It's emotional and physical, and the idea that his career was cut short. ... His knee looks awful. Emotionally, in terms of his upbeat nature. He is also not the happy-go-lucky, affable guy I used to know."
Written by Cheryl Phillips
Providence, RI
Exclusive to HULIQ.com
Information from WTVF, The Tennessean
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