A U.S. judge on Monday rejected a proposed settlement between the National Football League and thousands of retired players over concussions. U.S. District Judge Anita Brody is seeking further revisions that would let more retirees, or the families of deceased players, claim awards or seek neurological testing.
Among the changes is an assurance that retired players who died of the brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy after she granted preliminary approval of the accord last July 7 should be covered. She also asked that players get at least some credit in their award calculation for time spent with NFL Europe and other NFL affiliates.
The judge said the modifications would “enhance the fairness, reasonableness, and adequacy” of the settlement.
She ordered lawyers for the NFL and the players by Feb. 13 to propose amending the settlement to address her concerns, or explain why they cannot.
Brody had granted preliminary approval for the settlement in July after the NFL agreed to remove a $765 million cap on payments.
