A federal judge last week gave approval to a preliminary settlement between the NFL and more than 4,500 retired NFL players. The move brings the two parties one step closer to ending a lengthy legal fight over the NFL's financial responsibility to help cover the cost of treating the fallout from concussions among its former players.
The deal is designed to last at least 65 years and cover retirees who develop Lou Gehrig's disease and other neurological problems. The previous settlement was rejected by Judge Anita Brody because of concerns that its cap on payouts would not allow all qualified former players to receive the care they needed for the duration specified in the settlement.
The new settlement removes that cap, although it allows the N.F.L. to contest an unlimited number of requests for awards by retired players as a way to prevent fraudulent claims. Some players claim that this will narrow the number of people who might ultimately receive cash awards.
In the coming weeks, retired players will receive packets in the mail explaining the terms of the settlement. Players will be deemed to be in favor of the deal unless they opt out, which preserves their legal rights. They can also object to portions of the deal.
The players claimed the league systematically concealed the likelihood of injury and permanent damage to their health during their playing careers. The court estimated approximately 20,000 retired NFL players would be eligible to receive compensation.
The original settlement included $675 million for compensatory claims for players with neurological symptoms, $75 million for baseline testing and $10 million for medical research and education. The NFL would also pay an additional $112 million to the players' lawyers, for a total payout of more than $870 million.
Even with the cap removed, both sides said they believe the NFL will spend no more than about $675 million on damage claims by ex-players.
