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March 8, 2011
By Mike Jones
The Redskins must pay former punter Tom Tupa workers' compensation for a back injury that ended his career in 2005, the Maryland Court of Appeals has ruled.
A 17-year veteran at the time, Tupa was injured while warming up during a preseason game at FedEx Field in August of 2005.
He did not return to action after that injury. Tupa, who punted in all 16 Redskins games in 2004, filed the claim with the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission in 2007, according to court documents and won the claim. The Redskins appealed, however, but lost their appeal Feb. 28 and must pay partial disability and medical expenses to Tupa.
"I am happy for Tom and feel like this is a well-deserved victory," said Tupa's agent, Neil Cornrich when reached by phone.
Cornrich declined to say exactly how much the settlement was for, and Tupa -- now 45 years old and the recreation director at a community center in his home town of Brecksville, Ohio - could not be reached for comment.
Improved benefits to retired players are one of the many issues the NFL Players Association is fighting for in the ongoing CBA negotiations.
