Oct 21, 2021

NFL agrees to end race-based brain testing in $1B settlement

Posted Oct 21, 2021 1:46 AM

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The NFL has agreed to end race-based adjustments in dementia testing in the $1 billion settlement of concussion claims.

That's according to a proposed settlement filed in federal court in Philadelphia on Wednesday.

Critics say the use of "race-norming" in the testing has made it difficult for Black retirees to qualify for awards that average $500,000 or more.

The proposed changes come after months of closed-door negotiations.

The NFL says the plan would provide "a race-neutral evaluation process" and "diagnostic accuracy and fairness in the concussion settlement." The league says it hopes Senior U.S. District Judge Anita Brody approves it promptly.