Concussions in the NFL

After quarterbacks Jay Cutler, Michael Vick and Alex Smith sustained concussions in Week 10

of the 2012 season, the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) planned to have

independent neurologists at games. On February 3, 2013, the NFL and General Electric partnered

on a five-year, $50 million project to develop technology to predict brain injuries, show injury

severity and the rate of recovery, and to create more protective material. In March 2013, the

League proposed a rule to reduce concussions by making it illegal for a ball carrier or tackler to

"initiate forcible contact by delivering a blow with the top crown of his helmet against an

opponent when both players are clearly outside of the tackle box." However, the proposal was

met by criticism from players like running backs Matt Forte, Emmitt Smith and Marshall Faulk.

A federal hearing was held on April 9, 2013 in Philadelphia to discuss the League's motion to

dismiss the lawsuits brought on behalf of more than 4,500 former players On July 8, 2013, Judge

Brody ordered representatives of both sides of the litigation to explore a possible settlement in

the litigation. Judge Brody ordered a report on or before September 3, 2013 regarding the results

of the mediation.

A proposed settlement was reached in the litigation on August 29, 2013. Under the agreement,

the NFL will contribute $765 million to provide medical help to more than 18,000 former

players. Retired players who suffer severe neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's and

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diseases in the future will also be eligible to apply for

medical help. In addition, $10 million will fund brain injury research as well as safety and

education programs.

The settlement says it should not be interpreted as a statement of legal liability on the part of the

NFL.

The settlement, which is projected to protect retired players for nearly 65 years, will compensate

injured former players who need immediate help and will provide baseline assessments and

medical benefits to those who are symptom-free or beginning to show signs of neurological

problems.

"I think it's more important that the players have finality, that they're vindicated, and that as soon

as the court approves the settlement they can begin to get screening, and those that are injured

can get their compensation. I think that's more important than looking at some documents,"

attorney Weiss said.

Vimacel™ is part of an Integrative Medicine approach to treating people naturally. Integrative

Medicine combines alternative medicine with evidence based medicine.

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia