When Judge Anita Brody preliminarily approved a $765 million settlement in the concussion lawsuit brought by former players against the league, there was still room for objections to the settlement to be raised before it became final.
Judge Brody has heard those objections and on Monday ruled that changes are needed to “enhance the fairness, reasonableness and adequacy” of the proposed settlement.
Among those changes are a recommendation that the final settlement allow payment to retired players who died from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy after the settlement’s July 7 preliminary approval date. Judge Brody also recommended that the settlement should provide “some Eligible Seasons credit” for time spent in the World League or NFL Europe; that it should provide baseline testing to all retired players who register regardless of “funding limitations”; a hardship provision should be implemented with respect for the appeals fee for qualified members of the action; and the institution of “reasonable accommodation” for such members who have no records because of “act of god” type events.
The NFL and the plaintiffs are directed to file a joint submission by February 13th addressing these changes or explanations as to why they won’t accept these amendments.