NFL concussion settlement: Who wins, who loses
Image by Artamp Though a court recently found no “obvious” red flags in the proposed concussion settlement between the NFL and thousands of ex-players, the settlement is fundamentally unfair. [1] True, it’s generally easy to accuse class action settlements of unfairness. [2] But the proposed NFL settlement—even in its current mutation—merits a double-helping of criticism. [3] The settlement gives only some players a fair shake while others get the shaft. All the while, the NFL wins big. Concussion Settlement Basics: The NFL’s Victory The settlement’s basic terms are easy enough to understand: All 20,000-plus retired NFL football players, except those who opted out, will forever forfeit rights to sue the NFL for health problems related to head trauma. [4] In return, each ex-player can receive limited compensation for only specific health problems related to head trauma. [5] Though ex-players don’t have to do anything to prove the NFL actually is to blame for their