FILE - In this April 14, 2017, file pool photo, former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez turns to look in the direction of the jury as he reacts to his double murder acquittal after the sixth day of jury deliberations at Suffolk Superior Court in Boston. Football helmet maker Riddell says it intends to vigorously defend its products and its reputation against concussion-related lawsuits like one lawyers for late Hernandez have filed in Massachusetts against it and the NFL. Hernandez's attorneys filed a federal lawsuit last month after Hernandez killed himself in prison and an autopsy revealed he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain disease found in people who've suffered repetitive brain trauma such as concussions. The lawsuit was refiled Monday, Oct. 16. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, Pool)
Republished October 16, 2017 - 7:59 PM
Original Publication Date October 16, 2017 - 2:01 PM
DEDHAM, Mass. - Football helmet maker Riddell says it intends to vigorously defend its products and its reputation against concussion-related lawsuits like one lawyers for late New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez have filed in Massachusetts against it and the NFL.
Des Plaines (dehz playnz), Illinois-based Riddell says it introduced helmets designed to mitigate concussion risks more than 15 years ago.
Hernandez's attorneys filed a federal lawsuit last month after Hernandez killed himself in prison and an autopsy revealed he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (ehn-sehf-uh-LAH'-puh-thee), a brain disease found in people who've suffered repetitive brain trauma such as concussions.
The lawsuit was refiled Monday. It accuses the NFL of hiding the dangers of football and names Riddell. It seeks damages for Hernandez's daughter.
The NFL hasn't responded to emails seeking comment.
The Patriots have been removed from the new lawsuit.
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This story has been corrected to show that Riddell is based in Des Plaines, Illinois, not Elyria, Ohio.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017