When asked, Lemak says he doesn't expect a rash of injuries related to players being out of shape or rusty with their football skills. These aren't guys sitting around on barstools wanting to play football. The XFL differs from most other professional sports leagues in that the teams are not locally owned and that players work for one corporation rather than through their individual teams. As such, Lemak says medical care is centralized through a unique contract with HealthSouth Corp, a nationwide provider of ambulatory surgery, diagnostic imaging, and rehabilitation services. A similar centralized sports medicine system is present in Major League Soccer and NFL Europe, both of which Lemak also serves as medical director.
Medical costs are a huge burden to teams.
The high cost of medical care is one reason why minor league teams struggle financially. However, like the traditional sports medicine model, a regular team of physicians will follow the team at home and on the road. Tracy Ray, MD, a family practice physician and sports medicine fellowship director at Alabama Sports Medicine, is one of three primary care physicians who will cover the XFL's Birmingham Bolts. I think this will end up being much more football than professional wrestling, and it will be a pretty good brand of football. Cameo Roles for the Medical Team XFL telecasts focus in part on participants who are usually in the background, such as fans and cheerleaders.