NFLPA hits Bengals for allegedly jeopardizing workers’ compensation benefits

In an unexpected twist on Saturday night, the NFLPA sent a letter to NFL players claiming Cincinnati Bengals owners are attempting to strip Ohio players of their workers’ compensation benefits.

The letter, calling attention to all NFL players, says, “Bengals ownership has asked the Ohio legislature to strip Bengals and Browns players of their workers’ compensation benefits.”

According to the NFLPA, Bengals ownership claims that “athletes who are under contract to play for a professional athletic team are not eligible to file for or receive a permanent partial disability award.”

Since the letter itself tweeted by the NFLPA requires a membership to actually read, WCPO’s Tanya O’Rourke provided a snapshot:

So, just got this from someone in the NFL. The #NFLPA says the Bengals ownership wants to strip players of their ability to get workman’s comp. pic.twitter.com/C9xwtUvjlY

— Tanya O’Rourke (@TanyaORourke) March 11, 2023

ATTENTION ALL PLAYERS
In a move that could impact our entire membership, @Bengals ownership is attempting to strip all athletes in Ohio of their workers’ compensation benefits.

Check your email for more info and reach out to your PD with questions: https://t.co/nrTf19WdOV

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) March 11, 2023

As of now, the Bengals haven’t commented on the situation and the NFLPA hasn’t offered anything beyond the letter.

As ESPN’s Ben Baby pointed out, if there is no worker’s compensation, teams must find equivalent coverage for players:

Also: Ohio state law requires all employers to provide workers compensation benefits to their employees, either through self-insurance or the state fund.

— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) March 12, 2023

We’ll provide more on the situation as it develops.