The NFL finally put an end to the concussion lawsuit hanging over the league for a number of years, coming to a settlement agreement with over 4,000 players for $765 million, which will help give compensation, pay for medical exams and more.
According to ESPN.com, the judge in the case said that the two sides have come to an agreement and that the settlement does not include the NFL admitting liability or that football caused the injuries for the players. While that is tough for some players to swallow, they are glad to be getting compensation, although it actually doesn't amount to much for the NFL in the long run. On top of that, players knew that the league could drag things out for as long as they wanted to due to an unlimited revenue stream.
The terms of the settlement include that over $650 million will be used to give compensation to the former players, while other money will be spent on research as well as baseline testing for examinations. The deal is looked at by many as a victory for the NFL, but the players feel that it's finally time for them to get some compensation and there are also different money details for certain diseases that the players have, including CTE, dementia and others.
The players who get compensation includes ones that were not in the case against the league and will be determined by the date that they retired, which the court will figure out. The legal fees will not be part of the agreement and a number of players in the suit were in the pro football hall of fame.
Check here for the NY Times explainer on the concussion lawsuit.
From the Times:
"Q. Why did the plaintiffs settle for $765 million when insurance companies and legal experts said there was the potential for much more money?
A. Lawyers for the plaintiffs were eager to reach a settlement because many of their clients have debilitating neurological problems that need attention. Assuming the judge in the case approves the proposal, money can start to be dispensed within months, providing relief for retirees who are spending thousands of dollars a month on medicine and doctors. Without a deal, a legal remedy might have taken years, with no guarantee that the players would receive an equivalent deal. In addition, if the case had gone to trial, players might have had difficulty proving that their health problems were a direct result of head injuries sustained during their N.F.L. careers."
