More claims mean concussion payout could jump by $400

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.

Saints add Vereen

NEW ORLEANS » The New Orleans Saints have signed veteran running back Shane Vereen in a move that could help the club respond to Mark Ingram’s early-season suspension.

Vereen, whose signing was announced by the club on Wednesday, has served as a runner and receiver with New England and the Giants during seven NFL seasons.

He gained 838 yards from scrimmage and scored five touchdowns for the Patriots’ 2014 squad that won the Super Bowl.

Last season with the Giants, Vereen rushed for 164 yards and caught 44 passes for 253 yards.

Ingram has been suspended four games for use of a banned substance.

Titans’ Casey says he will protest during anthem

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 tells 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.

The NFL approved a policy in May allowing players to protest during the national anthem by staying in the locker room but forbidding them from sitting or taking a knee if they’re on the field.

Casey raised a fist at the end of the anthem before games last season.

Steelers’ Brown is Madden cover guy

We already know that Antonio Brown has made it to the top of the NFL. Now, he’s made it onto the cover of the video game he played as a youngster while dreaming of getting to the NFL.

EA SPORTS unveiled Brown on Wednesday as the cover guy for Madden NFL 19 and Madden NFL Overdrive. The game will be available Aug. 10 worldwide.

“To be on the cover is a real honor I’ve wanted to always have because I have so much connection with the game,” says Brown, an All-Pro receiver the last four seasons and runner-up to Todd Gurley as NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2017.

“Growing up as a kid I played Madden all the time, was being inspired by the players in the game. And now to be on the cover, it’s a special feeling.”

Brown, of course, is a special player, one many of his peers consider the best in the league. The fact he’s a self-made success story endears him to the fans, too.