League reveals 1st concussion settlements
Payouts total $9 million for two ex-players who weren’t identified
The first two claims in the NFL’s billion-dollar concussion settlement were announced Thursday, a total of $9 million in benefits.
The U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania overseeing the process was notified Thursday through a joint status report filed by the class and the NFL that the claims were approved. The names of the former players were not disclosed as part of the filings.
The payouts were for $5 million for a qualifying diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), and $4 million for a qualifying diagnosis of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).
Those amounts mean that both individuals played a minimum of five NFL seasons and were diagnosed before their 45th birthdays.
Because CTE can only be diagnosed once someone has died, the player’s estate would be collecting that payout, approved on June 5. THE ALS claim was approved on May 26.
The claims process for monetary awards opened March 23. There is also a baseline assessment program that launched June 6.
Players who already have been diagnosed to have ALS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or dementia are eligible for payments. The league has estimated that 6,000 former players — or nearly three in 10 — could develop Alzheimer’s disease or moderate dementia.
More than 14,500 class members out of a potential well above 20,000 have registered for benefits ahead of the Aug. 7 deadline. That can include former players or their families.
“We continue to be encouraged by the response from retired players and their families to the settlement, and are pleased that its vital benefits — including monetary payments — are now available,” said Christopher Seeger, co-lead class counsel for the retired NFL players.”
BRONCOS: One of Denver’s biggest offseason stars, Adam Gotsis, missed the final day of mandatory minicamp Thursday to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
Coach Vance Joseph said he expects the rising second-year defensive lineman to be back by the first week of training camp, which begins July 27.
“It’s a really minor thing. It’s a scope,” Joseph said. “It’s probably an injury that if it had happened in the regular season he’d probably play in a couple of weeks. But we’re going to take our time with this because we’ve got five weeks to get him healed up and get him ready for camp.”
The coaching staff and GM John Elway have heaped praise on Gotsis this offseason following a rookie campaign that was hampered by his recovery from a torn left ACL while at Georgia Tech.
BROWNS: Myles Garrett missed the final practice of Browns’ minicamp. It’s still not known when he’ll be back.
The No. 1 overall draft pick was kept off the field Thursday with a left foot injury that is still being examined. The team had been expected to provide an update on Garrett, but the only new development is that he’s still undergoing evaluation.
Cleveland wrapped up its three-day mandatory minicamp with questions still looming about Garrett’s status. He got hurt Wednesday while rushing QB Brock Osweiler during a two-minute drill.
VIKINGS: Another visit to his eye doctor has Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer optimistic that all the problems surrounding a detached retina in his right eye are behind him.
If he keeps progressing the way he has been recently, Zimmer said, a ninth surgery on the eye should not be necessary.
GIANTS: New York signed first-round pick Evan Engram, the tight end coaches believe will be a tough matchup for defenses. The Mississippi product is the last of the team’s six draft picks to sign.
The 23rd selection overall, Engram got a four-year deal that will pay him just under $11 million.
LIONS-RAMS TRADE: Detroit bolstered its offensive line to make up for the potential loss of tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder surgery) when it acquired offensive tackle Greg Robinson from the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday morning for a draft pick that was not announced.
COLTS: Indianapolis put running back Christine Michael on injured reserve, two weeks after signing with the Colts. His injury wasn’t disclosed. He has played 37 career games with Green Bay, Seattle and Dallas over the last four seasons.