Retired NFL players object to proposed concussion settlement

  • By Nathan Fenno Los Angeles Times
  • Thursday, July 3, 2014 4:19pm
  • SportsSports

In the first objection to the revised National Football League concussion settlement, seven retired players claim the proposed agreement is riddled with “fatal defects” that “render it anything but fair.”

Filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia, the 47-page objection targets, in part, the settlement’s limits on chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, compensation and the 75 percent reduction in monetary awards to players who suffered a stroke or traumatic brain injury unrelated to football.

The objection also says the proposed settlement notice is “false and misleading” because it doesn’t indicate that players diagnosed with CTE after the settlement’s preliminary approval aren’t eligible for compensation.

“It is a lousy deal for the retired players,” the objection said.

After U.S. District Judge Anita Brody rejected the proposed $765 million settlement in January, the NFL and plaintiffs’ lawyers submitted a revised version last month. To address Brody’s concerns about the settlement’s adequacy, the NFL removed its cap on payouts to retired players diagnosed with a qualifying neurocognitive condition. In exchange, there isn’t any limit to the number of payouts the league can appeal.

Both the NFL and co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs contend in the revised settlement that the original compensation fund of $675 million is sufficient.

The objection criticizes the mechanics buried in the settlement, including that players who don’t register with the claims administrator within 180 days of notice are ineligible for any benefits and that appealing an award decision costs $1,000 to players (the amount is refunded if they win) while the NFL pays nothing. Additionally, NFL Europe players aren’t credited for seasons in the league (award amounts are adjusted depending on a player’s experience) though they are bound by the settlement.

The seven players involved in the objection — Roderick Cartwright, Sean Considine, Alan Faneca, Ben Hamilton, Sean Morey, Jeff Rohrer and Robert Royal — expressed similar concerns in a separate motion to intervene in the litigation in May.

The proposed settlement covers all retired players, regardless of whether they sued the NFL, who don’t opt out.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington head girls basketball coach Joe Marsh looks to the court as the Eagles defeat Shorecrest, 50-49, to advance to the state semifinals at the Tacoma Dome on Thursday, March 5, 2020. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Joe Marsh, Arlington High School girls basketball coach, dies at 57

Marsh, considered one of the state’s all-time great high school basketball coaches, lost a four-year battle with stage 4 prostate cancer on Wednesday.

Archbishop Murphy senior Ivan Juarez Oropeza contests with Anacortes senior Logan Baumgaertner for the ball during the Wildcats' 3-0 win in the District 1 2A Boys Soccer quarterfinals in Everett, Washington on May 8, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Archbishop Murphy boys soccer advances to district semis

Zach Mohr scores on a free kick and penalty kick in the 3-0 win against Anacortes.

Everett AquaSox pitcher Ashton Izzi throws a pitch against the Tri-City Dust Devils at Funko Field on May 8, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Shari Sommerfeld, Everett AquaSox)
AquaSox fall to Dust Devils

Although the Everett AquaSox outhit the Tri-City Dust Devils on… Continue reading

Prep baseball roundup for Thursday, May 8

Perreault no-hitter keeps Terrace season alive.

Prep roundup for Thursday, May 8

Edmonds-Woodway soccer shuts out Everett in district playoffs.

Storm heads to LA for scrimmage with regular season looming

The Seattle Storm’s May 17 opener is drawing closer, and the WNBA… Continue reading

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for April 27-May 3

The Athlete of the Week nominees for April 27-May 3. Voting closes… Continue reading

Everett AquaSox outfielder Tai Peete looks back at his foot after sliding into second base during the game against the Tri-City Dust Devils on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Montes walk-off gives AquaSox fourth win in five games

Everett blows late 3-1 lead, then recovers for 12th-inning 6-5 win against Tri-City.

Silvertips’ Jesse Sanche blocks a shot during the game against the Edmonton Oil Kings on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Silvertips trade goaltender to WHL expansion team

Everett acquired a 2025 second-round pick in exchange for Jesse Sanche.

Jackson’s Kiana Holden bunts the ball during the 4A district championship against Kamiak on Friday, May 17, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball roundup for Wednesday, May 7

Jackson homers four times to close the regular season.

Snohomish’s Mak Dauer hits the ball during the girls gold doubles championship match during the Snohomish Summer Smash at Snohomish High School in Snohomish, Washington on Sunday, July 21, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Prep girls tennis roundup for Wednesday, May 7

Snohomish and Shorewood dominate Wesco championships.

Prep roundup for Wednesday, May 7

Snohomish boys win Wesco North 3A golf championship.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.