Dwight Harrison in 1974 with the Buffalo Bills
Former professional football player Dwight Webster Harrison has asked Federal Judge Marcia Crone to stop the NFL from cutting off his benefits and pension.
Born and raised and now retired in Beaumont, Dwight played 10 seasons in the National Football League. In 1971, he was drafted in the second round by Denver as wide receiver but was later converted to defensive back. Dwight retired as an Oakland Raider in the early 1980s, stated a sports database Web site.
Acting as his own attorney, Harrison filed a suit against the NFL Player Benefits in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on July 5.
According to the complaint, Harrison received $1,440 a month as part of his retirement package. On July 3, Harrison said he was notified by phone that he would no longer receive benefits.
The former football player said the pension payments are his only source of income.
Harrison also filed an injunction, asking the court to stop the NFL from withholding payments until the matter was heard in court.
He also asked for a court appointed attorney.
Numerous retired NFL players have come forward recently with complaints about inadequate pension plans, blaming the players' union and the league for negotiating unfair retirement packages.
Case No. 1:07-cv-00473-MAC-KFG