Former NFL running back Jerry Eckwood

WHAT HAPPENED: Former NFL running back Jerry Eckwood, 56, appeared last week in Davidson County probate court to deny accusations that he requires a conservator to manage his finances and help care for himself. Judge Randy Kennedy said a one-day hearing to get testimony from Eckwood's friends, family, caregivers and temporary conservator is necessary.


THE BACKGROUND: Eckwood played in the NFL from 1979 to 1981 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Brinkley, Ark., native suffered multiple concussions during his career, which the NFL believes caused the dementia he was diagnosed with last year. He also suffers from a pre-existing mental illness, his daughter in Brentwood, Jerval Watson, said in court records.

Worries about Eckwood surfaced after a representative from the NFL Player Care Foundation came to Tennessee last year to see Eckwood. The foundation helps former players get benefits. After the visits, the foundation asked the court to appoint a conservator, which he has resisted. Eckwood lives in an assisted-living facility in Franklin.

WHAT NOW: Eckwood concedes that he needs help with his finances but believes Watson can help him. According to a court-mandated report written by Nashville attorney Paul Gontarek, "He stated that he wanted to live on his own and 'get the NFL out of my business.' " Kristy Robinson with Elder Care Options Consultants was appointed emergency temporary conservator earlier this year and will serve in that capacity until Kennedy makes a final decision.

WHAT NEXT: In the next couple weeks, a hearing date will be set for Kennedy to hear testimony. It probably will be within the next few months.

Read full article:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110306/NEWS01/103060375/Hearing-planned-for-former-NFL-player-in-conservatorship-case

Editor's note:  Judge Randy Kennedy would fit in perfectly into the environment of the Probate Court of Cook County.