The NFL has agreed to a $765 million settlement deal with thousands of former players who sued the league, accusing it of hiding the dangers of brain injury while profiting from the sport's violence, according to court papers released Thursday.
The league agreed to pay $765 million to fund medical exams, concussion-related compensation and a program of medical research as well as to cover some legal expenses, according to a filing in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The league agreed to pay $765 million to fund medical exams, concussion-related compensation and a program of medical research, as well as to cover some legal expenses, according to a filing in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.More than 4,500 players had accused the league of glorifying football's ferocity while concealing the risks of concussions and long-term brain damage as a result of repeated hits to the head.
The agreement will be submitted for approval in federal court in Philadelphia. Based on known figures, the suit would pay each player roughly $170,000.
U.S. District Judge Anita Brody in July had ordered both sides to meet with mediator Layn Phillips, a retired federal judge, in an effort to settle the dispute.
“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 Phillips. “Rather than litigate literally thousands of complex individual claims over many years, the parties have reached an agreement that, if approved, will provide relief and support where it is needed at a time when it is most needed.”
The family of former Chicago Bears and Notre Dame safety Dave Duerson, who committed suicide and left a note asking that his brain be examined for evidence of football-related damage, is among those who are part of the lawsuit. The family filed a separate wrongful-death lawsuit against the NFL and helmet makerk Riddell in February of 2012, but it was consolidated with the other concussion-related lawsuits by a judicial panel.
In the transfer order, Judge John G. Heyburn II wrote the Duerson case was similar to the others because all involved the NFL's knowledge about the effect of concussive injuries on players; the NFL's monitoring of its players for such injuries; the NFL's policies for returning players to a game or practice after a concussion; and the design and manufacture of Riddell helmets.
The league had said it disclosed the information it had regarding research into brain trauma. It had previously argued that the lawsuit was inappropriate because the issue of player safety is governed by the collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the league and the players' union.
“This agreement lets us help those who need it most and continue our work to make the game safer for current and future players. Commissioner Goodell and every owner gave the legal team the same direction: do the right thing for the game and for the men who played it,” said NFL Executive Vice President Jeffrey Pash. “We thought it was critical to get more help to players and families who deserve it rather than spend many years and millions of dollars on litigation. This is an important step that builds on the significant changes we've made in recent years to make the game safer, and we will continue our work to better the long-term health and well-being of NFL players.”
The settlement is still subject to the approval of Judge Brody as well as the retired players that brought it. When finalized it will be binding on all players who have retired from the league.
“The benefits in this agreement will make a difference not only for me and my family, but also for thousands of my football brothers who either need help today or may need help someday in the future,” said Kevin Turner, a former running back for the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots who served as lead plaintiff.
The league agreed to pay $765 million to fund medical exams, concussion-related compensation and a program of medical research as well as to cover some legal expenses, according to a filing in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The league agreed to pay $765 million to fund medical exams, concussion-related compensation and a program of medical research, as well as to cover some legal expenses, according to a filing in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.More than 4,500 players had accused the league of glorifying football's ferocity while concealing the risks of concussions and long-term brain damage as a result of repeated hits to the head.
The agreement will be submitted for approval in federal court in Philadelphia. Based on known figures, the suit would pay each player roughly $170,000.
U.S. District Judge Anita Brody in July had ordered both sides to meet with mediator Layn Phillips, a retired federal judge, in an effort to settle the dispute.
“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 Phillips. “Rather than litigate literally thousands of complex individual claims over many years, the parties have reached an agreement that, if approved, will provide relief and support where it is needed at a time when it is most needed.”
The family of former Chicago Bears and Notre Dame safety Dave Duerson, who committed suicide and left a note asking that his brain be examined for evidence of football-related damage, is among those who are part of the lawsuit. The family filed a separate wrongful-death lawsuit against the NFL and helmet makerk Riddell in February of 2012, but it was consolidated with the other concussion-related lawsuits by a judicial panel.
In the transfer order, Judge John G. Heyburn II wrote the Duerson case was similar to the others because all involved the NFL's knowledge about the effect of concussive injuries on players; the NFL's monitoring of its players for such injuries; the NFL's policies for returning players to a game or practice after a concussion; and the design and manufacture of Riddell helmets.
The league had said it disclosed the information it had regarding research into brain trauma. It had previously argued that the lawsuit was inappropriate because the issue of player safety is governed by the collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the league and the players' union.
“This agreement lets us help those who need it most and continue our work to make the game safer for current and future players. Commissioner Goodell and every owner gave the legal team the same direction: do the right thing for the game and for the men who played it,” said NFL Executive Vice President Jeffrey Pash. “We thought it was critical to get more help to players and families who deserve it rather than spend many years and millions of dollars on litigation. This is an important step that builds on the significant changes we've made in recent years to make the game safer, and we will continue our work to better the long-term health and well-being of NFL players.”
The settlement is still subject to the approval of Judge Brody as well as the retired players that brought it. When finalized it will be binding on all players who have retired from the league.
“The benefits in this agreement will make a difference not only for me and my family, but also for thousands of my football brothers who either need help today or may need help someday in the future,” said Kevin Turner, a former running back for the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots who served as lead plaintiff.