Seventy-seven stars suing the Rugby Football League over head injuries claim chiefs “negligently” relied on advice from a doctor at the centre of a plagiarism scandal.
In a letter of claim, players’ lawyers question the RFL’s guidelines and accuse it of taking the advice of Dr Paul McCrory “unquestionably”.
He is accused of using and misrepresenting the work of other experts. Nine articles written when he was editor-in-chief of the British Journal of Sports Medicine have been retracted.
And he stood down this year as chairman of the Concussion in Sport Group, which produces the concussion “Bible” that many sports use to set injury protocols.
The Sunday Mirror can reveal Dr McCrory was employed by the RFL in 2002 to rewrite its concussion management strategy and head injury guidelines.
It lowered the minimum recovery periods after concussion – despite other experts urging longer rest and even recommending retirement for players who suffered three concussions.
In 2001, a McCrory article dismissed the idea of players retiring after repeated head injuries as “neuromythology”. He said: “There is no scientific evidence sustaining several concussions over a sporting career will necessarily result in permanent damage.”
The Mirror told last week how ex-Wales star Mickki Edwards – who is involved in the legal action along with the likes of fellow early onset dementia sufferer Bobbie Goulding, 50 – feared he had 30 or 40 concussions in his career.
Mickii, 48, said: “When I suffered a career-ending injury, I was discarded like a broken, unwanted toy.”
England and GB legend Bobbie said of his diagnosis: “I’ve never been afraid of anything, but I’m afraid of this.”
The BJSM, meanwhile, has put warnings on another 74 of Dr McCrory’s articles. Helen Macdonald, the journal’s research integrity editor, said: “Our trust in McCrory’s work is broken. Our investigation has revealed a pattern of publication misconduct. We offered McCrory the opportunity to inform us of any other articles that may fall short of acceptable standards.
“He is yet to provide additional information.”
Richard Boardman – of Rylands Law, representing the stars – said: “We believe there has been a systematic failure by the RFL to protect its players from concussions and sub-concussions.”
The RFL said: “The RFL does not still work with Paul McCrory. The sport continues to improve and develop its approach to concussion, head injury assessment, education, management and prevention across the whole game.
“Support to former players is always available from Rugby League’s charity partner Rugby League Cares.”
The RFL changed its concussion protocols this year, raising the return-to-play period to 11 days. Rugby union – facing legal action from 220 former stars – brought in a 12-day minimum.
Dr McCrory, who also faces questions over his work for the Australian Football League, was approached for comment.
