The Boston Globe reports that former Bellator MMA fighter Jordan Parsons was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Parsons, who died after he was struck by a vehicle while as a pedestrian in May of this year is the first known case of an MMA fighter suffering from CTE.
Dr. Bennet Omalu, a forensic pathologist, disclosed the diagnosis. Dr. Omalu first discovered CTE with former NFL football player Mike Webster after he passed away. It led to the investigation of CTE in other NFL football players and eventually the lawsuits related to the discovery. Dr. Omalu was portrayed by actor Will Smith in the movie, “Concussion.”
Currently, the WWE is defending a lawsuit brought by former contracted wrestlers related to CTE. Of the claims, it believes that the WWE knew of the dangers of performing but allowed its contracted workers to continue with stunts that caused head trauma.
Payout Perspective:
Parsons’ diagnosis is ominous for Bellator and the UFC as they need only look to what has gone on with lawsuits in the NFL, NHL and WWE. Certainly, Parsons is just one case, but it could lead to further investigation with former fighters that might bring legal action against promoters.
he wasnt long in the game either,was the damage caused by the crash?? if not imagine poor shoguns brain
MMA like Boxing can hide behind the Athletic Commissions and Doctors, the NFL have never been governed by these.
God bless, RIP
We all knew this was coming.
So many of the blows to the head happen in training or in smaller promotions that I don’t see how you can hold Bellator or the UFC responsible.