Anderson does a masterful job of conveying the trials that work injuries inflict on people.  The loss of your job can often spiral life out of control.  This is an inspirational story of human spirit and overcoming hardship that everyone can relate to.

Alissa J. Magenheim

Attorney at Law

Admitted in California, North Carolina & Ohio

“A remarkable story from a remarkable woman who faced remarkable odds in this remarkable tragedy! Melvon tells a story that invites the reader to experience her pain, her humiliation, her rejection, her tragedy and her triumph! She exposes much in a system that had failed her, to a church that turned her away, to individuals who shunned her. Melvon turns her situation from one as a victim to a victor! From one who has endured much and now shares her story, this is a must read for every employer and employee.”

Major Warren Dabis, Corps Officer

The Salvation Army

San Diego Citadel Corps

What “Lies” Beneath goes beyond providing sound advice with occupational and sports injuries. It will open your eyes to the Corporate America that you never knew! The situations described about our local and state government operations…will make your blood boil! After reading the heart wrenching stories in this book, I can no longer view the government in the same way. You will feel ashamed or disgusted; either way it will make you want to take back our rights! This book makes you take a second look at our country, and how the government does not take care of the people who need it the most! I recommend this book to every individual as a must read because it will shock you with the truth!

Stephen R. MetzII

Sports With Flava

Executive Producer

Melvon is a woman of heart and courage who seeks truth and shares her truth for all who have had to or will have to seek justice. This book inspires you to never become a victim of any legal system. It is a testimony that “Knowledge Is Power.” Read and be empowered!

Starla Lewis

Professor of Black Studies

San Diego Mesa College

Melvon is the author of Wake-Up, (Understanding your rights with on-the-job injuries) which chronicles her personal battle with her employer and the Workers’ Compensation System. She knows first-hand what it feels like to struggle for understanding and justice in the face of indifference due to a job injury. Since writing her first book, Anderson has primarily focused on occupational injuries. This has enabled her to help others who are going through similar situations.

Anderson’s second book, Held Captive “Employers’ Indifference with Work Related Injuries” is about the injustice that American’s face everyday regarding an on-the-job injury and Worker’s Compensation System. A third book, What “Lies” Beneath: Bureaucracy Exposed, is an exposé of “Corporate America’s” Red Tape Apathy and Politics.

Since 2004, Melvon has been a member of the National Register “Who’s Who” in Executive & Professionals, and The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. She has also appeared on local television networks, and has been featured in the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper. Melvon is a single mother of two daughters, currently residing in San Diego, CA.

At that time, Roderick did not realize that the doctor was telling him to “please” not get back on the field. As Roderick recalls, “it was a silent hint because the doctor could not just come out and tell him not to play.” Also, the injury would never heal properly if he stayed on it—which he did anyway. And unfortunately, he would pay a price and not for the better. However, had he known what rights he was entitled to, then he could have been awarded up to 3.8 million dollars!

Since he chose not to have surgery, his agent (who also acted as his attorney) asked him to do a few try-outs that were called “Wide Receiver Drills.” These were not the minor physical exercises that one does five days a week. They were very intense! At the time, he thought it was the right thing to do—feeling obligated to his coach and to the team. To show them that he had done his best, so he did the drills. Although he was in a lot of pain, and his knee was still swollen, his coach persuaded him to get back on the field. Telling him to do his best because the team was counting on him to come through for them!

Roderick had no idea that the moment (after you injure yourself) they ask you to step back on to the field to do these drills. They do this in case, (for some reason) your injury gets worse, and you can not practice or play on the team, you have no defense to get compensated financially. So there he was doing all those drills—right in front of the camera! He later questioned them about that. They gave him some off the wall excuse, which he now realizes was a lie. Also, since the media saw how it happened, they interviewed him, “asking how he was doing and if he was feeling alright, would he still be able to play on the team.” He replied, “I’m happy to be here, and only God would be able to tell the condition of my injury.” I mean, what else was he suppose to say—he was a “Star” for the “NFL Dallas Cowboys! Roderick continued playing in many games during that time, and unfortunately, he never realized that one of the games would be his last.

To achieve the ultimate goal, they pumped his body with medications for many years. This was done so he could perform for the team. Give the media a real story—something they would remember for years to come! A real achiever! Also, “on contract they (meaning the home turf) were liable to any player who got injured on the field.” In other words, if Roderick went out for his injury, they would have to compensate him medically and financially through a fund called (IR) Injury Reserve fund. That did not happen because they used the reverse psychology to make him feel obligated—playing for the NFL. Let’s not forget, he had not made the team yet, and the way it looks, he may not.

Shortly after, as it always seems to be, things began to change. Initially, he became disturbed because his agent gave him a bad “bogus” decision to make because now that he was injured, there was a lot of peer pressure from his coach. He felt interrogated—saying he was a tough guy and that is why they brought him in because he could handle all of the bumps and bruises. After all, rarely does anyone make it to the NFL—televisions lime light, the women, the parties, the money, the fans cheering you on, the cameras are rolling and you are the star…how could he refuse!

By now, his energy level was so high that he had no choice but to give in. He continued working out and playing the NFL games with the team, even though his knee was still swollen. This was a challenge because this was his world, to achieve, to live up to his performance for the team, to the fans, because they were counting on him to do his best and that is what he did—up to the end, but at a price...