Ditka to dissolve assistance fund after critical report

MINNEAPOLIS -- Mike Ditka will dissolve his Hall of Fame Assistance Trust Fund in the wake of a report that the charity had given only a small amount of money to needy former NFL players.

USA Today reported last week that Ditka's fund had collected $1.3 million since it was formed in 2004, but netted only about $315,000 after expenses and distributed just $57,000 to former players.

Ditka disputed part of the report, saying the trust has actually given away $159,000.

Ditka said Tuesday the fund's balance of more than $600,000 would be divided equally between Misericordia, a residential facility for developmentally disabled youth, and Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, another fund that helps former professional football players in need.

Ditka appeared in Minneapolis with several former Vikings stars to publicize the Gridiron Greats fund. Ditka, a board member for that charity, said he would focus his future efforts on that fund. He made a personal donation of $25,000 on Tuesday.

Ditka is among retired players who have feuded with the NFL Players Association over how disability benefits are distributed to former players.

Jennifer Smith, a spokeswoman for Gridiron Greats, said the infusion from Ditka's fund would "make a major impact" on her group's efforts.