Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Claiming Racial Discrimination in NFL’s Massive Concussion Settlement
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit alleging that the NFL’s massive concussion settlement discriminates against retired players on the basis of race.
Via Daniel Kaplan of TheAthletic.com, the presiding judge dismissed the case on the basis that it was an “improper collateral attack” on the settlement. The judge nevertheless expressed concern about the situation, ordering a federal magistrate judge to confer with the parties regarding the issue.
The lawsuit arises from “race-norming,” a controversial practice that results in the baseline cognitive assessment of Black players being reduced. This makes it harder for Black players to show that they have suffered diminished cognitive function due to playing football, in order to qualify for benefits under the concussion settlement.
