The NFL and lawyers representing the players remain confident that their $765 million concussion settlement will go through, despite its preliminary approval being rejected by a federal judge on Tuesday.
NFL, plaintiffs hopeful that concussion settlement will be approved
A federal judge rejected the NFL’s $765 million concussion settlement on Tuesday, but the league remains confident that it will be approved soon.
Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
U.S. District Judge Anita Brody determined that the settlement amount was not enough to cover 20,000 retired players, and requested the parties to release more financial information. In a statement released by the league, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello responded to Brody’s decision, via ESPN:
“We respect Judge Brody’s request for additional information as a step towards preliminary approval. We will work with the plaintiffs’ attorneys to supply that information promptly to the court and special master. We are confident that the settlement is fair and adequate, and look forward to demonstrating that to the court.”
Christopher Seeger, one of the attorneys representing the retired players, also believes that the settlement will eventually be approved, via ESPN:
“We are confident that the settlement will be approved after the Court conducts its due diligence on the fairness and adequacy of the proposed agreement,” Seeger said in the statement. “Analysis from economists, actuaries and medical experts will confirm that the programs established by the settlement will be sufficiently funded to meet their obligations for all eligible retired players. We look forward to working with the Court and Special Master to address their concerns, as they rightfully ensure all class members are protected.
“We believe this is an extraordinary settlement for retired NFL players and their families, and have received overwhelming support as they have learned about its benefits. We look forward to finalizing this agreement so they can soon begin taking advantage of its benefits.”
More than 4,500 retired players filed a suit against the league, accusing the NFL of covering up the long-term effects of head trauma. The two sides settled out of court before the 2013 season began, but judge Brody believes the $765 million amount is not enough to cover all players.
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