Breaking News: NFL, ex-players agree to $765M settlement in concussions suit

Aug 9, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; A detailed view of a San Diego Chargers helmet at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

According to NFL.com the NFL has reached a tentative $765 million settlement over concussion-related brain injuries among its 18,000 retired players, agreeing to compensate victims, pay for medical exams and underwrite research.

More than 4,500 former athletes — some suffering from dementia, depression or Alzheimer’s that they blamed on blows to the head — had sued the league, accusing it of concealing the dangers of concussions and rushing injured players back onto the field.  This type of news hits close to home with Chargers fans after the loss of Junior Seau who was diagnosed after his death with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.

Any of the approximately 18,000 former NFL players would be eligible and under the settlement, individual awards would be capped at $5 million for men with Alzheimer’s disease; $4 million for those diagnosed after their deaths with a brain condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy; and $3 million for players with dementia.

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