A concussion-related lawsuit bringing together 81 separate cases has been filed in federal court, accusing the NFL of hiding information that linked football-related head trauma to permanent brain injuries. The 81 cases are being consolidated for pretrial issues and discovery before Senior U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody in Philadelphia.

The suit accuses the NFL of “mythologizing” and glorifying violence through the media, including its NFL Films division.

“The NFL, like the sport of boxing, was aware of the health risks associated with repetitive blows producing sub-concussive and concussive results and the fact that some members of the NFL player population were at significant risk of developing long-term brain damage and cognitive decline as a result,” the complaint charges.

“Despite its knowledge and controlling role in governing player conduct on and off the field, the NFL turned a blind eye to the risk and failed to warn and/or impose safety regulations governing this well-recognized health and safety problem.”

The main point of discovery for this case will be what did the NFL, the owners, the player’s unions, the layers, and team doctors know about the connection of football-related head trauma to permanent brain injuries, when did they know it and what evidence exits to prove it. This case will obviously hinge on what the plaintiffs can unearth during the discovery process.

Much like the smokers class action suit, be prepared to hear some pretty interesting “behind the scenes” stuff come out of this case.