A federal judge has approved a settlement between the National Football League and thousands of former players, who sued the league over the concussions they suffered during their playing careers. In a 132-page ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Anita Brody called the settlement “fair, reasonable, and adequate.”
The plaintiffs’ underlying claim was that the NFL failed to adequately protect them from concussions and other head injuries. They further alleged at the time of the lawsuit that many in their class suffer from dementia, depression or Alzheimer’s, all of which are attributable to continuous blows to the head.
The original settlement of $765 million was rejected by the court, which found that the sum would not be enough to care for all of the retired players.
Under the new terms, the claims of all retired NFL players — some 25,000 as of July 2014 — will be covered. The new settlement will reportedly span 65 years and could cost the league upwards of $1 billion when attorney fees are factored in.
Judge Brody noted that she considered “whether the settlement represents a good value for a weak case or a poor value for a strong case.”
Generally, both sides seemed to be on board with the deal.
“While nothing can change the reality faced by those who suffer from ALS or other devastating neurocognitive illnesses, this settlement will provide the benefits we need to take care of our families and have the best quality of live we are able to have,” Kevin Turner, a former running back for Philadelphia and New England and a class representative, said in a statement. “I also take comfort in the knowledge that these benefits are guaranteed to be there for all retired players, especially for those who do not know they are going to need them.”
Meanwhile, NFL Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jeff Pash added that “today’s decision powerfully underscores the fairness and propriety of this historic settlement. We look forward to implementing the terms of the settlement and continuing to work with our players, coaches and medical staffs to enhance the safety and benefits of football.”
About 200 plaintiffs did choose to opt out of the agreement. Among them were former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett and the family of the late San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau. Three years ago, Seau died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. An examination of his brain after his death showed signs of CTE.
“In the moment, in the snapshot, it’s definitely a victory for the NFL and it creates a dynamic where they hope to sort of leapfrog from this issue to talk about the game of the future and the development of a safer game,” said Dan Lebowitz, executive director of Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society, told the media.
