SC: As far as the film, how did that get started? What motivated you to do this?
DL: it’s weird how it all came about — I don’t know how I landed neck-high in this discussions. Since I retired, I’ve been doing a lot of film stuff. In front of the camera, behind the camera, doing stage plays. The intent was to get a film made, and a buddy of mine said that we needed to do something ‘intriguing.’ He mentioned hockey and concussions, but I’ve never watched a hockey game in my life. But I had heard about football players and concussions, so let’s do some digging and see what we find. And I found information everywhere. And it was amazing. Guys in their mid-20s, mid-30s, mid-40s who already had dementia. I had a guy call me who was suicidal, because he couldn’t get help. I get e-mails from guys I used to play with, guys you’ve probably never heard of, because they had average careers. But it’s all the same thing — ‘Dude, I’ve got issues, and I can’t pay for it. What am I gonna do?’ I’ve been talking to people at Gridiron Greats, and they do a great job of helping people out who can’t afford treatment or can’t get help. But the idea is to get help to all the guys who need it, and can’t afford it.
SC: Have you talked to the NFLPA about subsidizing this film, or would you prefer to remain an independent voice on the subject?
DL: People from the Players’ Association have seen the film, but the way I tell this story is raw. It’s the uncut truth, and when I interview players, there’s no agenda. Guys are sensitive to reporters, so they never really open up. But when you’ve played the game and you ask these questions, guys say things they wouldn’t say on ESPN. I don’t want to lose that, so I’ve got to be careful who I let in. I want to tell the truth, and it can’t be censored in any way. I can’t have people saying, ‘You can’t say this because the NFL might get upset.’
SC: Well, isn’t the whole point of your film, and the lawsuits, and Congress going after Roger Goodell on this subject a few years ago — isn’t the point of all this to get the NFL upset enough to force legitimate change? Because when you have a goofball like Bengals owner Mike Brown insisting that there’s no link between football and brain trauma … as much as the NFL tries to put a good face on increased awareness, Brown’s comments indicate that there’s a pretty ling way to go.
DL: And that’s what I’m saying in the film. That’s just ridiculous. That comment is just ridiculous. With all the information we know at this point? That’s just not true.
SC: In the film, what were the interviews that moved you the most?
Click here to listen to Dorsey Levens talk more about his film.
Article Appeared @http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/shutdown-corner-interview-dorsey-levens-170956364.html