NFL, Players Reach $765 Million Settlement to 'Make the Game Safer,' Says NFL Exec
Today the NFL and plaintiff players have settled in the lawsuit the players brought against the league for profiting from their head injuries and hiding how dangerous and injury-prone playing in the league was. The NFL has agreed to a $765 million settlement.
The suing players and the league were ordered to meet with mediator Judge Layn Phillips to try to come to a settlement. Phillips is pleased with the outcome of the mediation.
"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 told The Chicago Tribune.
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The NFL Executive Vice President Jeffrey Pash released a statement about the settlement.
"This agreement lets us help those who need it most and continue our work to make the game safer for current and future players. Commissioner Goodell and every owner gave the legal team the same direction: do the right thing for the game and for the men who played it," he explained to the The Chicago Tribune. "We thought it was critical to get more help to players and families who deserve it rather than spend many years and millions of dollars on litigation. This is an important step that builds on the significant changes we've made in recent years to make the game safer, and we will continue our work to better the long-term health and well-being of NFL players."
It seems that both sides are pleased with the outcome. Kevin Turner, who played running back in the NFL and was heavily involved with the lawsuit, spoke about his feelings of the settlement.
"The benefits in this agreement will make a difference not only for me and my family, but also for thousands of my football brothers who either need help today or may need help someday in the future," he said.
