Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino has joined a class action lawsuit against the National Football League for concussions earned during his tenure in the league.
Marino joins more than 4,500 former NFL players who are accusing the league of misleading players about the long-term effects of concussions. He filed his lawsuit against the league in federal court in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, May 28.
Last August, the NFL and plantiffs agreed on a settlement of $765 million, but U.S. District Judge Anita Brody rejected the settlement. She claims there was not enough analysis and information to determine whether the settlement provided adequate funds for the claims of all players deemed eligible.
“Even if only 10 percent of retired NFL football players eventually receiving a qualifying diagnosis, it is difficult to see how the Monetary Award Fund would have the funds available over its lifespan to pay all claimants at these significant award levels,” Brody wrote.
“We continue to work at the direction of the Court and Special Master as they review the settlement agreement and rightfully ensure that all members of the class are protected,” Sol Weiss and Chris Seeger, the lead counsels for the plantiffs, said in a statement to the Times. “We look forward to finalizing this agreement so that former players can soon begin taking advantage of its benefits.”
The suit filed by Marino accuses the NFL of “carelessness, negligence, intentional misconduct” regarding concussions, and seeks money for medical treatment as well as compensation for long-term or chronic injuries.
Other NFL stars that have filed concussions-related lawsuits against the league include Eric Dickerson, Tony Dorsett, Bob Little and Randy White.
