Player Injury Announces NFL Players' Reactions To Settlement And Judge's Decision To Deny Preliminary Approval

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Player Injury, of Mitnick Law Office, today announces NFL players' reactions to the terms of the Proposed NFL Concussion Settlement. More and more former NFL players are slowly digesting the terms of the Proposed NFL Concussion Settlement and putting their stamp of approval on the proposed Settlement. On Monday, January 6, 2014 the U.S. District Judge, Judge Anita Brody denied the Parties motion for preliminary approval without prejudice. What this means is that that Judge needs further confidence that the financial monies being put on the table by the NFL are sufficient for payouts to injured players over the next 60 years before considering the Agreement a second time.

Christopher Seeger, Esq. lead negotiator and co-lead counsel for the Class, along with Craig Mitnick, Esq. attorney for over 1500 of the players who actually filed suit against the NFL, stated that each firmly believe that the Proposed Settlement will ultimately be approved by the Court. Seeger and Mitnick commended the Court for taking the necessary steps required to ensure the Settlement's fairness and reasonableness by guarantying there will be enough money to compensate injured players for the next 60 years.

Here is what some of the players had to say about benefits of the Agreement and about Judge Brody's initial denial of the preliminary settlement:

Mark Rypian, a 2x Pro Bowl Selection, 2x Superbowl Champion, Superbowl MVP and voted one of the 70 greatest Redskins commented as follows in regard to the class concussion settlement: "that as long as the League protects all retired players, monitors their health, compensates the ones that truly need help, and supports those players and their families who are in need, then both sides won the battle."

Eric Allen, a 6x Pro Bowler, AP First Team All-Pro, Eagles Hall Of Fame, 3X UPI first team, Television commentator who supports the Settlement. Allen said, "the concussion issue has existed for years, however now there is finally awareness we can all make the game of football safer for the players and just as exciting for the fans." "The settlement is a win win for everyone because every retired player is protected first by medical monitoring, then treatment if applicable no the League's expense and he you get sick you then get paid."

Greg Landry, a former player and coach who played quarterback in the National Football League from 1968 to 1981 and again in 1984. Greg played for the Detroit Lions, Baltimore Colts, and Chicago Bears. Landry said, "I am in complete favor of the Concussion Settlement because I really want the money to get to the guys and their families that truly need it as soon as possible. Another misconception that many players have is that if they stay in the Settlement and have no symptoms or diagnosis they will be forever releasing the NFL for concussions. The reality is that every player is protected, whether now or if he gets sick in the future. Landry went on to say that he was surprised and delighted that Judge Brody denied preliminary approval of the settlement until she is 100% confident that there will be enough money to take care of all retired players if need be. She is protecting both the NFL and the Players."

Joe Panos, an offensive lineman who played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1994-1997 and then the Buffalo Bills from 1998-2000 is now an active agent representing NFL players. Panos was one of the first Class Representatives to join the action. Panos supports the concussion settlement because he says it is a fair and honest settlement. "It protects all retired players and financially compensates those who are currently ill. It provides medical testing and treatment for all retired players. Furthermore, it offers financial compensation to the guys who may become ill in the future for 65 years. This settlement should not just be about money, it should be about player safety and protecting retired players in every way possible, from health benefits to family support services."

Panos said, "On the issue of the Judge denying preliminary approval until she is more comfortable with the amount of money in the injury compensation fund, I think she is brilliant. Lets make sure there is enough money and that we can all sleep better at night knowing we are protected."

Joe Picarcik, President of the NFL Alumni, has said, "both sides faced huge legal battles and that Pircarcik believes that the Settlement is fair as it compensates those players that are truly injured, and protects all other retired players through medical monitoring, treatment and compensation." "Everyone must remember that this was a compromise settlement and one of its major objectives was to immediately compensate those players that are truly injured now, while at the same time protecting all other retired players in the future." The main question now is going to be whether the $675 Million Dollar compensation fund is enough money to protect injured players for the next 60 years.

Rich Miano, a strong safety for the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons was one of the first Class Representatives who filed suit in the concussion action. Miano's motivation was to help change policies and procedures to better protect football players of all ages. Miano is a huge supporter of the Settlement and when he learned of Judge Brody's denial of the preliminary settlement terms, he reaction was strong. He said, "I would rather the final Settlement be delayed a bit, knowing that everything is solid and will hold up for 60 years."

Video with caption: "Proposed NFL settlement and denial of preliminary approval." Video available at: http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/ENR/FX-MM47243-20140115-NFL-QA-C.mp4

SOURCE Player Injury