Preliminary approval of NFL concussion settlement denied

Judge Anita Brody of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has denied preliminary approval of the $765 million settlement in the concussion lawsuit. Brody was concerned that there would not be sufficient funds to cover even 10 % of former players who ultimately receive qualifying diagnoses, given the proposed length and scope of the settlement pool. She also dropped a footnote expressing additional concerns, still to be addressed, about the adequacy of the funds and the release of the NCAA and other amateur football organizations. The denial was without prejudice and the parties will be able to offer further documentation to show adequacy.