As new seasons for both the National Football League (NFL) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) commence, this season is a bit different than past seasons since they start in the shadow of huge concussion related settlements. The excitement for football can be encompassing. But it should not be forgotten that the issue of concussions still looms over the sport and both organizations.
While the settlements both deal with the issue of concussions, they differ in detail. The NCAA settlement was for $70 million, and most of that money is designated for research on concussions. The NFL settled for $765 million, but that cap has since been lifted. Most of the money from that settlement will compensate the plaintiffs, who were former players, and will also go towards baseline testing, medical research, and education.
So as football takes over the nation, the plaintiffs and their advocates who pushed the issue of concussions to the forefront by litigating it in the court of law and the court of public opinion should be remembered and applauded for their bravery in the face of very strong opposition.
Sources:
http://www.ncaa.com/news/ncaa/article/2014-07-29/ncaa-reaches-proposed-settlement-concussion-lawsuit
Photo Credit: Andrew Morrell Photography via Compfight cc
Written by Lulaine Compere