MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS– On the day it was reported that the late Junior Seau suffered from CTE, a brain disease, resulting from constant brain trauma, former Browns QB Bernie Kosar held a news conference to talk of his experiences post career due to multiple concussions.
Kosar, who led the Browns to three straight AFC title game appearances in the late 1980s, said that he has been dealing with ringing, buzzing in his head, and insomnia over the years. These are many of the symptoms that Seau suffered from during and after his career, which culminated with him taking his own life.
Kosar spoke of situations in games when he had smelling salts on his person. A quick whiff would get his head straight, but not before he would call a play for a straight hand off to Kevin Mack to give him time to recover.
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Browns fans have heard Kosar’s speech in recent years and questioned whether he has been drinking or using a controlled substance. Kosar said that is a direct result of the head trauma he suffered in his career.
Kosar said he dealt with symptoms for 10 to 12 years with no relief, but in the last month he has been treated by Dr. Rick Sponaugle of Palm Harbor, Florida. Kosar expressed some relief that the treatments are having a positive effect.
“I really feel blessed to be restored in terms of the brain and the trauma that was there. I almost feel like it’s gone, to the point where I almost feel 20 years younger,” he said.
The news conference was called in order to explain his predicament and to alert other former players of the help he received from Dr. Sponaugle. Kosar claimed he is not part of the thousands of lawsuits brought against the league by former players who suffered head trauma.
View the video here, on FOX 8.
***by John Telich
