Parker Waichman LLP

Nation’s top colleges injecting football players with prescription painkiller Toradol to get them back in action sooner

It’s the height of the college football bowl season and as the hundreds of players take the field to battle for school pride and a potential future playing the sport professionally for millions of dollars, many are unknowingly being put at risk of serious injuries and death … and the sport, itself, is not to […]

colleges injecting painkillersIt’s the height of the college football bowl season and as the hundreds of players take the field to battle for school pride and a potential future playing the sport professionally for millions of dollars, many are unknowingly being put at risk of serious injuries and death … and the sport, itself, is not to blame.

Instead, team physicians whose job it is to keep players healthy, prevent injuries, and treat injuries when they occur, have been no-so-secretly been injecting ailing players with a hospital-strength painkiller typically reserved for post-operative patients dealing with discomfort. According to an exclusive ABC News report, many of the nation’s top colleges and universities – namely those at the height of the college football world – condone the use of injecting players with Toradol to get their star players back on the field sooner.

This practice has gone largely unnoticed but a recently filed lawsuit by one former player will likely bring this issue into the national spotlight as the football season concludes early next week with the national championship game. 

Armond Armstead, a former defensive player at the iconic University of Southern California, has sued the school and the football team’s physician for injecting him with Toradol, which he believes caused him to suffer myocardial infarction, a heart attack, during his last season with USC. Armstead, now out of school, says he was never warned about the dangers of Toradol, which includes potential deadly side effects like a heart attack, liver failure, and more.

The doctor, James Tibone, told ABC in a fleeting interview that he does inject players with Toradol to manage the pain associated with playing football at that level but would not speak further about Armstead or other issues related to the lawsuit. His comments to an ABC News reporter indicate that he believes his practices to be safe.

The Black Box warning on Toradol notes that life-threatening complications arise through frequent use of the drug, something Armstead experienced first-hand as he was injected with the drug numerous times to get him back on the field sooner without feeling the effects of injuries that may have been plaguing him.

ABC found that only 4 of the more than 20 schools contacted for its report denied using Toradol. An astounding 16 schools would not comment on their use of Toradol and several more freely said they used it. The report notes that the NCAA – the governing body of college athletics in the U.S. – does not regulate the use of Toradol among its student-athletes.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Very professional and always answer question rapily very helpful
Lori Napper
4 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker and Waichman are the best when handling my WTC case. The staff in particular Lawyer Ms. Shelly Davis are the ultimate professionals. Shelly Davis was empathetic and compassionate given the nature and sensitivity of my case along with being very knowledgeable of the intricacies of the WTC govern laws. I highly recommend Parker and Waichman in particular lawyer Shelly Davis. Peace and Blessings!
Allegra Maple
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman has been so much help with my case over the past few years. It has finally come to an end with a positive outcome. I would also like to thank Benita Rollis, who personally kept me up to date every step along the way. She was able to answer every question I had and always replied in a very timely and professional matter. I cant thank your firm enough. All I can say is thank you from me and my entire family.
Ed McKenna
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038