National Football League

Former NFL players call concussion settlement a 'lousy deal'

Published Jul. 3, 2014 4:12 p.m. ET

foxsports

Seven retired NFL players are objecting to a proposed settlement of concussion claims, calling it a ''lousy deal'' for ex-players whose symptoms don't qualify them for compensation.

The players' lawyers filed a motion in federal court in Philadelphia on Wednesday urging a judge to reject the settlement between the NFL and up to 20,000 retired players.

The NFL last month agreed to remove a $675 million cap on damages from thousands of claims. A judge must approve.

The settlement is designed to last at least 65 years and cover retirees who develop Lou Gehrig's disease and other neurological problems.

The former players who object say the deal excludes players with symptoms of a degenerative brain condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy or suffering from milder brain injuries. They say it also excludes veterans of the defunct NFL Europe.