The National Football League has agreed to a $765 million payout to settle concussion-related lawsuits brought on by more than 4,500 former players. The terms of the settlement state that $675 million will go directly to the players, while the remainder is designated for medical exams and research. Individual players will receive varying amounts, ranging from $150,000 to $170,000.
“This is an extraordinary agreement that will provide immediate care and support to retired players and their families,” lead plaintiffs’ attorney Christopher Seeger said in the statement. “This agreement will get help quickly to the men who suffered neurological injuries. It will do so faster and at far less cost, both financially and emotionally, than could have ever been accomplished by continuing to litigate.”
The plaintiffs accused the league of hiding the risks of concussions for decades, which led to neurological conditions players claimed were the direct result of on-field concussions. The NFL’s position has always been that they’ve made safety a top priority. But recent discoveries of CTE in the brains of deceased players — Junior Seau, Dave Duerson — have increased the spotlight on the damage incurred from multiple hits to the head. Ray Easterling, a lead plaintiff in the original lawsuit, committed suicide shortly only months after the initial filing.
Here is the full court statement regarding the settlement (via Deadspin):
[ESPN]
