CHICAGO (AP) — There is a new proposed settlement in a head injury lawsuit against the NCAA brought by football players and other college athletes.
Notice of a new deal came in filings in federal court in Chicago late Tuesday night.
It’s the second proposal in the case. U.S. District Judge John Lee rejected the initial settlement in December.
The core of the new agreement is the same as the one Lee rejected. The new one also would toughen return-to-play rules after a concussion and would create a $70 million fund to test current and former athletes in contact and non-contact sports for brain trauma.
The new proposal also seeks to address Lee’s criticism. That includes his concern there was a lack of clarity about how athletes in what are designated as non-contact sports could benefit if they suffer concussions.
One of the lead plaintiffs’ attorneys, Joseph Siprut, told The Associated Press after the filings that he was pleased the sides could hammer out a new agreement.
“We are very excited about the fact that we are moving forward,” he said. “We’re hopeful for ultimate approval.”
Ten lawsuits filed nationwide were consolidated into the one case in Chicago, where the first suit was filed in 2011. The lead plaintiff is Adrian Arrington, a former safety at Eastern Illinois. He said he endured five concussions while playing, some so severe he has said he couldn’t recognize his parents afterward.
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