Concussion settlement ratified by owners

The NFL concussion lawsuit has moved another step closer to a resolution.

According to Pro Football Talk, the NFL owners voted to approve the $765 million concussion lawsuit settlement yesterday.

Now the settlement, which has expanded from more than 4,500 players to cover all “retired” players, must be granted preliminary approval by Judge Anita Brody.

The hearing for the settlement has been scheduled for October 28. If it is approved by Judge Brody, a formal notice will be sent to all retired NFL players, who will have 90 days to “opt out” of the deal. After that, a “fairness hearing” will be held to allow any retired players who haven’t opted out a chance to challenge the settlement.

Along with funds for research, the settlement creates a fund of $675 million for retired players who are diagnosed with “severe cognitive impairment.” Even those player not involved in the lawsuit will have the ability to receive funds based on diagnoses, age, and years played in the NFL.

While this settlement is a victory for the players, it seems to be a case of too little, too late. While the NFL is moving towards safer play now, the NFL did very little to prevent or treat concussions in the past, and may have even ignored findings, based on allegations made by the book “League of Denial.”  I can’t help but wonder if this lawsuit could have been avoided altogether had the NFL taken heed years ago.