CHUCK EVANS, 41, running back with Minnesota and the Baltimore Ravens, 1993-2000, died on 10/12/08 of heart failure. His widow, Etopia, has joined a lawsuit against the NFL, alleging that Evans developed an addiction to painkillers as a result of his football career. The lawsuit on behalf of more than 200 former players alleges teams pressured injured players to take painkillers illegally administered by team physicians without proper prescriptions and with minimal–if any–explanation of risk. Players were pressured to take the painkillers or be cut. “Each and every player we’ve spoken to discusses being pumped up with medications without warnings, without prescriptions, without examination,” said Steve Silverman, an attorney who is suing the franchises, including the Baltimore Ravens. “Many players are suffering from heart disease and all types of other ailments as a result of the cocktailing of medications. The body can’t process these medications.” The lawsuit aims to provide compensation, medical screening and health insurance for the former players.–“Widow Of Former Ravens Player A Part Of New Lawsuit Against NFL Teams”, CBSlocal.com 5/22/15, Mary Bubala of WJZ.