NFL seeks special investigator in concussion settlement

SHARE NFL seeks special investigator in concussion settlement
armour_cst_111617.jpg

Footballs sit by an end zone pylon before an NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) ORG XMIT: OTKTG114

The NFL accused some lawyers representing players in the $1 billion concussion settlement of fraud and wants a special investigator appointed.

Plaintiffs’ lawyers contend the league is not awarding settlement funds fast enough. So far, $227 million in claims have been awarded.

The league made its request Friday in U.S. District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania, saying that attorneys, doctors and former players are attempting to cheat the program.

The NFL cited an independent study that recommended denying more than 400 claims because of fraud, including schemes by lawyers and medical personnel working with former players.

“We want to ensure that players and their families receive the benefits they deserve,” league lawyer Brad Karp said. “Fraud threatens the integrity of the settlement and the prompt payment of legitimate claims.”

Karp added that the appointment of a special investigator was “specifically contemplated” in the agreement, and would help identify “fraudulent claims and related misconduct.” The motion seeks subpoena powers for the investigator.

The NFL alleges that the attempts to scheme the system are causing any delays in handing out funds. The league insists that each case be properly documented as worthy of payment.

An independent outfit handles approval of claims as part of the settlement, though the NFL can appeal claims it deems unworthy or deceitful. The motion cites a law firm advising former players as “willing to pay doctors directly out of their pocket” to get a qualifying diagnosis.

The Latest
A look back at last year’s transfer portal rankings shows Domask wasn’t even among the top 50 transfer prospects on many lists. Lucky for the Illini, coach Brad Underwood doesn’t recruit based on college basketball pundits’ rankings.
In 1983, Gossett became the third Black Oscar nominee in the supporting actor category. He won for his performance as the intimidating Marine drill instructor in “An Officer and a Gentleman” opposite Richard Gere and Debra Winger.
Chances are, if you live in an American city, particularly in the South — the most violent part of the country since forever — these things are familiar to you.
For the first time since 2019, the water taxi will offer daily service between Ogilvie and Union stations, Michigan Avenue and Chinatown.
Busch found an unconventional way to score in the loss to the Rangers.