Ex-US footballers file lawsuit against NFL over 'illegal drug dealing' to play 'through injuries'

Eight former American football players have claimed in new a lawsuit against the National Football League (NFL) that they were 'illegally dealt' drugs by team doctors and trainers to play through dangerous injuries.

The 85-page class action suit claimed that players were fed a 'constant diet of pills to deal with the pain' instead of being offered proper treatments and time to heal.

According to ABC News, the lawsuit said that the NFL has illegally and unethically substituted pain medications for proper health care to keep their money flowing, adding that with its priority on profit, the NFL places a premium on return to play to the detriment of a player's health.

The suit describes the 'post-game ritual' of trainers handing out painkillers and sleeping aids 'to be washed down by beer', and the players are seeking financial compensation for chronic injuries, financial losses, pain, suffering and mental anguish, according to the suit.