The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Concussion deal stands
Supreme Court rejects challenges to NFL settlement.
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the final two challenges to the estimated $1 billion settlement between the NFL and thousands of its former players who have been diagnosed with brain injuries linked to concussions.
Players who already have been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or dementia could begin receiving payments in 90 to 120 days.
“The benefits process will finally move forward,” said attorney Christopher Seeger, who represented the class of more than 20,000 retired NFL players now eligible for payments for the next 65 years.
The league has estimated that 6,000 former players — or nearly three in 10 — could develop Alzheimer’s disease or moderate dementia. Payments could be as high as $5 million for those with Lou Gehrig’s disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS; the average payout is expected to be closer to $190,000.
The class-action lawsuit filed in Philadelphia accused the NFL of hiding what it knew about the link between concussions and brain disease that has been found in dozens of former players after their deaths. Senior U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody approved the deal last year after twice sending it back to lawyers over concerns the fund might run out. It was upheld by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in April.
But two petitions — one from the family of late Buffalo fullback Cookie Gilchrist, and the other from a group of 31 players — asked the nation’s highest court to stop the settlement. Their requests for a hearing were rejected without comment from the justices Monday.
Chargers: Defensive tackle Tenny Palepoi was suspended for the next four games for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. If the Chargers miss the playoffs, Palepoi will also miss the 2017 season opener.
Colts: Left guard Jack Mewhort (knee) and safety Clayton Geathers (neck) went on injured reserve. The Colts also put backup linebacker Curt Maggitt (knee) on IR, signed safety Duke Williams and promoted receiver Devin Street from the practice squad.
Dolphins: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s left knee injury is less serious than first feared, but it remains unlikely he will play again this season. Matt Moore will make his first start since 2011 on Saturday against the Jets.
Lions: Coach Jim Caldwell said quarterback Matthew Stafford’s finger injury should not prevent him from playing against the Giants.
Eagles: Long snapper Jon Dorenbos had surgery on his right wrist and will miss the rest of the season. Running back Wendell Smallwood (knee), offensive lineman Matt Tobin (knee) and safety Jaylen Watkins (finger) also could be sidelined the final three games.
Bears: Receiver Alshon Jeffery rejoined the team after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy, giving quarterback Matt Barkley a big weapon for this weekend’s game against the Packers.
Cardinals: Receiver Michael Floyd faces charges of driving under the influence following a traffic stop.
Jets: Five former teammates were pallbearers at the funeral in New Orleans for Joe McKnight, who was shot and killed Dec. 1 during a road-rage incident.