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Bills release Everett; TE now eligible for disability benefits

Discussion in 'AFC East Rivals' started by ATVZ400, May 13, 2008.

  1. ATVZ400

    ATVZ400 Senior Member

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    Mar 22, 2008
    parts unknown, NJ
    http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10824737

    ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills released Kevin Everett on Tuesday, clearing the way for the former tight end to receive disability benefits for the spinal cord injury that ended his career.

    Everett was initially paralyzed from the neck down after a violent collision with then-Denver receiver Domenik Hixon on a kickoff return in last year's season opener.

    Doctors doubted Everett would walk again, but the Texas native regained many motor skills, including the ability to walk without assistance.

    Everett will be able to apply for long-term disability benefits and a one-time payment under the player health reimbursement plan. He would not have been eligible for the programs if he stayed on the Bills' active roster.

    "We had numerous discussions with the league in dealing with this process to assist him in the best way possible," the team said in a statement Tuesday. "Kevin will always remain a Buffalo Bill in the same way that Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas and so many others before him are held in the highest regard by our franchise."
     
    brandon27 likes this.
  2. Jets81

    Jets81 Junior Member

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    Dec 4, 2007
    I hope they work something good out for him.

    The Jets had a player that actually injured himself in a motorcycle accident a while back, Jamie Henerson, and Woody Johnson honored his full contract even though he couldn't play if I remember correctly.

    Classy move in my opinion.
     
  3. Yea I thought that was a tremendously respectful thing the jets did considering it was an off the field injury.

    It would be a nice thing to see the bills do something similar. In the same note though, Ralph Wilson is largely responsible for Everett even being able to walk again because of the money invested, and training he gave the team staff. He may have done enough with just that.
     
  4. Jets81

    Jets81 Junior Member

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    Dec 4, 2007
    Thats true, Everett has had great medical care since the incident.

    Update: Just heard that the final year of his contract was paid by the Bills. Good move.
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2008

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