CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals are suing 31 former players who filed workers compensation claims against the team in California.

Unlike most other states, California allows for insurance payments to workers who can show they suffered trauma that compounded over a period of time.

In its lawsuit, filed in Cincinnati, the football team says players' contracts stipulate that workers comp claims may be pursued only in Ohio. The next court date in the case is Oct. 15.

Former defensive lineman Reinard Wilson won his California claim and has been paid more than $58,000 by the Bengals. The team says he played just two games in California while he was with the Bengals in 1997.

A county judge in Cincinnati has issued an order to stop any further payments to Wilson.

Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, http://www.enquirer.com