NFL, players reach concussion deal

[joeybee12]

The NFL and more than 4,500 former players want to resolve concussion-related lawsuits with a $765 million settlement that would fund medical exams, concussion-related compensation and medical research, a federal judge said Thursday.

The plaintiffs include at least 10 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett. They also include Super Bowl-winning quarterback Jim McMahon and the family of Pro Bowl linebacker Junior Seau, who committed suicide last year.

"This is a historic agreement, one that will make sure that former NFL players who need and deserve compensation will receive it, and that will promote safety for players at all levels of football," said Judge Layn Phillips, the court-appointed mediator for the dispute said in a statement.

Many former players with neurological conditions believe their problems stem from on-field concussions. The lawsuits accused the league of hiding known risks of concussions for decades to return players to games and protect its image.

The NFL has denied any wrongdoing and has insisted that safety has always been a top priority.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9612138/judge-nfl-players-settle-concussion-suit

[RockaFowler]

1. That seems like nothing to the NFL

That's only $170,000 per person

[joeybee12]

2. Yup, and they don't admit guilt...

A slap on the wrist...

[Auggie]

3. That's less than 10% of ONE YEAR'S total revenue for the league...

according to the video link. And it applies only to those players retired at the time of ruling.

A wave of the hand and this P.R. disaster disappears. The players deserve better.

[joeybee12]

8. I think you're right, and see below, Upton disagrees with you...

so now I KNOW you're right!

[Upton]

9. I don't see the problem..

plaintiffs' lead attorney, Christopher Seeger:

"This is an extraordinary agreement that will provide immediate care and support to retired players and their families," Seeger said in the statement. "This agreement will get help quickly to the men who suffered neurological injuries. It will do so faster and at far less cost, both financially and emotionally, than could have ever been accomplished by continuing to litigate."

And 10 million is set aside in the settlement for medical research..

[Auggie]

10. Provided RockaFowler is right with the math, the settlement is piddling

[Upton]

4. Good...everybody's happy

lets forget about these side issues and get on with some football..

[El Supremo]

6. What brought you out of hiding? Was it because the Feds announced they won't send you to jail?

In Washington State?

[Upton]

7. No hiding...shit happens...

and I was never going to jail anyway, since possession of up to an oz of the miracle herb has been legal since the end of last year here....but yeah, Holder saying they'll allow I-502 to be fully implemented is great news. Stores are next. Lets just hope the administration doesn't suddenly change it's mind like with MMJ..

[madinmaryland]

11. Kind of like the Pirates have 77 wins going into September and the Ginats have 74 losses going into

September.

That was the real reason!!

[Auggie]

12. You forget mad ...

49ers football season is about to begin. Brace yourself for douchebaggery.








Not from me, of course.

[madinmaryland]

13. It's Kaepernick's sophomore season. Could be a big let down, leaving the Forty-whiner fans whining

for Alex Smith to return!!

[Auggie]

14. That's what I was I thinking, though I'd never want Smith back

[Upton]

15. Nah..I hope the Pirates do well..

I find them the least offensive of the 3 teams in the NL Central, though I think the Cardinals are going to win that division. Of course, it would be just like the Pirates to have this great season... finally finish over .500, making their 1st playoff appearance since Bonds, and then have it all taken away in 1 game..

As for the Giants, 3 years ago on this date they hadn't won a WS in San Francisco...now there are 2. Anyway, my focus has changed to the team finishing low enough to acquire a protected 1st round pick...so it's all good.

[bluedigger]

5. It's a significant sum to apply to research and treatment.

Just because there are 4,500 parties to the suit does not mean there are that many injuries. Better to move the problem out of the courtrooms and into the labs where something productive can result.