Sonstiges » that will make me remember this learning experience.dddd

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the final two challenges to the estimated $1 billion settlement between the NFL and thousands of its former players who have been diagnosed with brain injuries linked to repeated concussions. Players who already have been diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs disease, Parkinsons, Alzheimers or dementia could begin receiving payments in 90 to 120 days.This is a historical moment for the retired player community who, in the face of great adversity, took on the NFL, said attorney Christopher Seeger, who represented the class of more than 20,000 former NFL players now eligible for payments for the next 65 years.Despite the difficult health situations retired players face today, and that many more will unfortunately face in the future, they can have peace of mind knowing that this settlements benefits will finally become available to them and will last for decades to come.The league has estimated that 6,000 former players -- or nearly three in 10 -- could develop Alzheimers disease or moderate dementia. Payments could be as high as $5 million for those with Lou Gehrigs disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS; the average payout is expected to be closer to $190,000.Seeger said more than 11,000 have pre-registered for benefits.We will make sure that every single eligible retired player takes advantage of this settlements benefits, he told reporters in a conference call. We will be undertaking a massive education effort to ensure that all former NFL players know about the settlements benefits and understand how to file a claim.The class-action lawsuit filed in Philadelphia accused the NFL of hiding what it knew about the link between concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the degenerative brain disease that has been found in dozens of former players after their deaths. Senior U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody approved the deal last year after twice sending it back to lawyers over concerns the fund might run out.The deal was upheld by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in April.We must hesitate before rejecting that bargain based on an unsupported hope that sending the parties back to the negotiating table would lead to a better deal, Judge Thomas L. Ambro wrote for the unanimous three-judge panel that affirmed the settlement.But two separate petitions -- one from the family of late Buffalo Bills fullback Cookie Gilchrist, and the other from a group of 31 players that included including 1996 Super Bowl MVP Larry Brown and Hall of Famer Charles Haley -- asked the nations highest court to stop the settlement. Their requests for a Supreme Court hearing were rejected without comment from the justices on Monday.The NFL admitted no fault as part of the settlement, though a league official did acknowledge during congressional testimony that there is a link between football and CTE. The deal avoids the need for a trial and means the NFL may never have to disclose what it knew and when about the risks and treatment of repeated concussions.Still, Seeger said, much progress has been made.When this lawsuit was first filed, discussions over concussions and player safety in the NFL were rare, and holding the NFL accountable seemed almost impossible, Seeger said. But with the help of these players, more and more attention is placed on the issue of safety and head injuries in sports. Those who had the courage to file suit and take on this cause deserve tremendous credit for what they have achieved.In a statement, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league was pleased with the decision.We look forward to working with class counsel and Judge Brody to implement the settlement and provide the important benefits that our retired players and their families have been waiting to receive, McCarthy said.Critics complained that the settlement approved by Brody does not cover future CTE cases. The lead negotiators said they instead set aside compensation for treatment for some CTE symptoms. That does not include the depression, aggression and mood swings reported by some former players who experienced repeated concussions.Other payments are expected to be around $4 million for past CTE deaths and $3.5 million for advanced Alzheimers disease. They will not need to prove that their diagnosis is the result of NFL football to receive an award, Seeger said.Players lawyers who negotiated the deal with the NFL -- and stand to split $112 million in fees -- say the settlement will help families get needed financial awards or medical testing that might take years if the case went to trial.Ambro agreed.Compensation for players who are coping with these symptoms now is surely preferable to waiting until they die to pay their estates for a CTE diagnosis, the judge wrote.Seeger closed his comments by thanking former New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles fullback Kevin Turner, who was the lead plaintiff in the litigation. Researchers announced last month that Turner suffered from CTE to a degree that they had not seen for an athlete who died in his 40s.Its really important that people understand that without the commitment that Kevin made, it wouldnt be possible to get where we are, Seeger said. I end this on somewhat of a sad note that Kevin couldnt be here to see this.---AP NFL websites: http://pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL Utah Jazz Jerseys . - After leading the Saints to a fourth playoff appearance in five seasons, Drew Brees expressed confidence in the direction of his team and, perhaps more importantly, showed a willingness to listen to contract proposals if the team needs his help getting under the NFLs salary cap. Rudy Gobert Jazz Jersey . Canada is now down to its 22-player limit, although but players wont be registered until Christmas Day. Changes could still be made as a result of a suspension or injury. http://www.jazzauthentic.com/kids-adrian-dantley-jazz-jersey/ . Manuel was offered a position the day he was fired. He accepted earlier this week and the team made the announcement Friday. Donovan Mitchell Jersey . The quest begins with what is supposed to be an easy one, although Germany has traditionally been a stubborn opponent to Canadian teams at international tournaments. Pete Maravich Jersey . To the surprise of many, it isnt the Wolverines but their in-state rivals the Michigan State Spartans. Rising Puerto Rican lightweight star Felix Verdejo was released from the hospital on Friday night, five days after suffering minor injuries in a motorcycle accident near his home in San Juan.Verdejo, a 2012 Olympian and the 2014 ESPN.com prospect of the year, crashed his dirt bike on a San Juan highway Sunday when he lost control as he tried to avoid a bump in the road.Verdejo, 23, who was wearing an open-face helmet, suffered cuts, bruises and scratches to his forehead, face, arms and legs as well as other parts of his body. He realized it could have been much worse.I have definitely learned a big lesson, Verdejo said. Im not perfect. Ill keep growing as a person and today Im more committed than ever (to) my people and my career. I want to thank Puerto Rico and all the boxing fans for all the messages of support during this difficult time for worrying about me and for putting me in your prayers. Thanks to God, Im ready to keep on fighting -- with scars that will make me remember this learning experience.dddddddddddd.I feel more mature, focused and anxious to bring to my island the happiness of a world title.Verdejo (22-0, 15 KOs) was in line for a mandatory 135-pound world title shot in his next bout against Englands Terry Flanagan (31-0, 12 KOs). Top Rank hoped to make a deal to put the fight on its Nov. 5 card in Las Vegas as the pay-per-view co-feature to the Manny Pacquiao-Jessie Vargas welterweight world title bout.Top Rank and Frank Warren, who promotes Flanagan, had been in talks to make the match but they were put on hold after Verdejos accident.A painful and costly accident that will hopefully provide Felix and all young athletes life-long lasting lessons, said Carl Moretti, vice president of Top Rank, which promotes Verdejo. We sincerely appreciate the support and love he has received from his island and the boxing community. ' ' '