The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are simply that.

Opinions.

All are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.

Sensitive topics are discussed.

Discretion is advised.

The I'm Viti Pawlton.

The subject of my investigation, professional football stars who make lots of money but also get into lots of trouble.

Is there a connection to the game that made

them famous and their legal issues here's the story for decades the NFL has

thrilled millions making players very rich and very popular yet we have seen our

share of gridiron stars right here on

court TV. Players and former players spiraling into legal trouble, shocking fans who once cheered

their names. Violent outbursts, erratic behavior, and heartbreaking falls from grace have become

tragically familiar.

And increasingly, doctors point to one silent culprit lurking beneath those iconic helmets.

C.T.E. The degenerative brain disease triggered by repeated hits has been discovered in the brains of dozens of former players

whose lives unraveled long before death. Families recall sudden personality shifts, paranoia,

explosive tempers, symptoms now linked to years of collisions. Is there a connection between the games we love to watch and the behavior that puts these stars in legal jeopardy?

And during the course of this hour, we're going to take a look at a series of profiles of individuals who you've seen here on court TV, some old, some new, and talk about this connection.

Let's bring in court TV field reporter Cody Thomas is going to help us all night tonight.

We're beginning with OJ Simpson and for a court TV viewers some may just, they remember the trial, and that's like all they know.

I want to start with O.J. Simpson before the trial and who O.J. Simpson was as a player, as an athlete.

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