The NFL agreed to a $765 million settlement deal with thousands of former players who sued the league, having accused it of hiding the dangers of brain injury all the while profiting from the sport's heightened violence, court papers released said, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
The league agreed to fund medical exams, concussion-related compensation with a medical research program and covering legal expenses, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania's papers' read on Thursday.
"It would certainly seem to be fair financial terms to the NFL as an enterprise, especially given how difficult this lawsuit has been from a PR and perception viewpoint on both the NFL and the sport of football. This is a very positive end for the NFL," Robert Boland, an NYU professor of sports management said.
The players contended that the league profited while concealing the risks of concussions and long-term brain damage to the head.
U.S. District Judge Anita Brody in July ordered both sides to meet with the mediator Layn Philipps to settle the dispute.
"This is a historic agreement, one that will make sure that former NFL players who need and deserve compensation will receive it, and that will promote safety for players at all levels of football. Rather than litigate literally thousands of complex individual claims over many years, the parties have reached an agreement that, if approved, will provide relief and support where it is needed at a time when it is most needed," Judge Phillips said.
Dave Duerson, a former Chicago Bears and Notre Dame safety Dave Duerson, who would commit suicide had left a note asking that his brain be examined, were among those part of the lawsuit. His family filed a separate wrongful death against the NFL and the helmet maker company Riddell in February 2012.
"So what we do know is this is not an insignificant amount of money," Tom Demtrio, a Chicago attorney representing the Duerson family in its case against the NFL. "This is the NFL saying, 'we know there's exposure.' This is not an insult, this amount of money. It's a significant acknowledgment that the underlying cases are meritorious. That's what I walk away with," he said.
