The NCAA has created a new protocol to handle concussed athletes and will spend millions to monitor the health of athletes who might have suffered concussions while playing college sports, according to a settlement filed in federal court this morning.
Via Price Benowitz LLP
The $75 million settlement caps litigation that began when a dozen college athletes -- including former Eastern Illinois University defensive back Adrian Arrington -- accused the NCAA of putting their health at risk by leaving concussion policies up to individual schools.
Under the agreement, NCAA schools will have to follow certain procedures. Players will not be allowed to return to action the same day they receive a concussion. All players, coaches and trainers will receive concussion education. And doctors trained in concussion diagnosis will have to be present for all games played in contact sports such as football, soccer and basketball.
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The settlement would end litigation that began when a dozen college athletes — including former Eastern Illinois defensive back Adrian Arrington — accused the NCAA of putting their health at risk by leaving concussion policies up to individual schools. The NCAA admits no wrongdoing in court documents filed, as it agreed to make small payments to the athletes involved in the litigation.
Arrington and three other former athletes would be paid $5,000 for being deposed as part of the lawsuit, while eight others would receive $2,500 for being named plaintiffs. The players’ lawyers would receive $15 million and up to $750,000 for expenses.
The NCAA also would contribute $5 million toward concussion-related research, according to the settlement.
Critics described the deal as “worthless” and contended it does little more than offer additional diagnostic testing to former college athletes. It does not provide any medical treatment or financial assistance if the tests deem them to have concussion-related problems.
“It’s going to benefit no one here in any real way except for the NCAA and the plaintiffs’ lawyers,” said attorney Jay Edelson, who represents former Pittsburgh player Frank Moore and former San Diego State player Andy Nichols.
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