LOS ANGELES -- The family of former San Diego Chargers defensive back Paul Oliver is suing the NFL and the team for wrongful death, blaming sports-related concussions for his suicide last year.
The suit, filed Monday in Los Angeles, also names helmet manufacturers and the New Orleans Saints -- where Oliver attended training camp.
It says the 29-year-old shot himself in front of his wife and two sons last September at his Georgia home because of damage and depression caused by repeated head trauma.
The Saints declined to comment. Messages left for representatives of the NFL and Chargers weren't immediately returned.
The suit claims the NFL knew about concussion risks for decades but concealed them. The NFL has proposed a $765 million settlement of a different concussion-injury lawsuit that could affect thousands of athletes.
