Settlement claims are skyrocketing

Payouts from concussion agreement to exceed $1.4B

PHILADELPHIA — Lawyers representing former NFL players estimated Wednesday that payouts from the concussion settlement with the league will top $1.4 billion, a $400 million jump because of thousands more players filing claims.

The number of players who filed to be a part of the settlement is outpacing all previous estimates and could keep growing, the lawyers said in a federal court filing based on estimates from an actuary. The estimate accounts for players who have filed claims and those who have officially given notice that they intend to file claims.

The actuary said participation rates are 21 percent higher than estimated when the settlement was reached. As of July 16, 499 claims totaling more than $485 million had been approved, according to the filing.

The massive increase in estimated payout came the same day a judge denied a request from the league to appoint a special investigator to look into what the league said are extensive fraudulent claims against the settlement fund.

Judge Anita Brody wrote in her federal court ruling that the league’s attorneys had demonstrated that there is “sufficient evidence of probable fraud to warrant serious concern.” But Brody said a special master and a claims administrator have effectively ferreted out those claims for now.

ANTHEM PROTEST: Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jurrell Casey says he plans to protest during the national anthem this season, even if it means getting a fine.

Casey told CNN that “I’m going to take a fine this year, why not? I’m going to protest during the flag. That’s what I’m going to say now.” Titans officials had no immediate response.

REVIS: Revis Island is closed for business. Darrelle Revis, a star cornerback with the New York Jets and a Super Bowl winner with their archrivals, the New England Patriots, has retired.

Revis announced Wednesday on social media that he was ending an 11-season career that included four All-Pro selections.