So the New York Post has reported that the players objecting to the concussion settlement dropped their appeal, opting not to proceed with an effort to persuade the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case.
The lawyer representing the class of players who settled with the NFL has issued a statement to the contrary.
“We believe the Supreme Court should deny the appellants’ petition, as these objections have now been exhaustively examined and overruled by the both the District Court and the Third Circuit,” lawyer Christopher Seeger said in a press release. “Despite the fact that the claims process has not opened due to delays caused by these appeals, more than 9,000 retired players have sought enrollment in the settlement’s benefits. These appeals come with devastating consequences for the thousands of retired NFL players suffering from neurocognitive injuries and effectively stand between truly injured retired players and their sole prospect for obtaining benefits while still alive. While we are pleased several appellants have decided against petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court, it is clear the few lawyers still objecting to this settlement have motives other than what is in the best interest of the retired NFL player community. We hope the Court will reject this appeal and affirm the settlement so former players can finally receive the care and support they urgently need.”
Apparently, when Alan Faneca told the Post he was dropped the issue, he was speaking only for himself. Other former players have decided to pursue the Hail Mary option, which will delay by several more months the payment of benefits under the concussion settlement.