Linda Sanchez’ Statement on Courts Rejection of NFL Settlement Deal (January 14, 2014)
Washington, DC- Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38) released the following statement today after U.S. District Judge Anita Broday rejected a $765 million NFL concussion settlement.
"I support the court's decision. The settlement does not do enough to ensure that the NFL is taking all the necessary precaution to protect its active and retired players," said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. "Players and their families need peace of mind that the NFL is going to take full responsibility and help them navigate the challenges that come with traumatic head injuries."
Background
In 2007, Congresswoman Sánchez chaired a hearing of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law to examine if the NFL's player disability plan was adequately serving former players, many of whom suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) as a result of multiple concussions. In the 111th Congress, Congresswoman Sánchez participated in multiple hearings regarding head injuries and football, and grilled NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell over the league's concussion awareness campaign. These hearings resulted in greater public awareness and changes to how football teams address player concussions on all levels of play.
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