http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9612138/judge-nfl-players-settle-concussion-suit

The NFL has reached a tentative $765 million settlement over concussion-related brain injuries among its 18,000 retired players, agreeing to compensate victims, pay for medical exams and underwrite research. 

A federal judge announced the agreement Thursday after months of court-ordered mediation. It came just days before the start of the 2013 season.

Highlights of Proposed Settlement
NFL Highlights of the proposed settlement between the NFL and more than 4,500 ex-players who sued over concussion-related injuries:
PDFs:
• Details of proposed settlement
• Judge Anita Brody's order

• NFL would pay $765 million plus legal costs, but admits no wrongdoing.

• Individual awards would be capped at $5 million for players suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

• Individual awards would be capped at $4 million for deaths from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

• Individual awards would be capped at $3 million for players suffering from dementia.

• Money would go toward medical exams and concussion-related compensation for NFL retirees and their families, and $10 million toward medical research.

• Senior U.S. District Judge Anita Brody in Philadelphia must approve the settlement.

-- The Associated Press

One of the principal terms of the settlement is that the agreement "cannot be considered an admission by the NFL of liability, or an admission that plaintiffs' injuries were caused by football."

According to the settlement, $675 million of the $765 million would be used to compensate former players and families of deceased players who have suffered cognitive injury, including the families of players who committed suicide after suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Other money will be used for baseline medical exams, the cost of which will be capped at $75 million. The NFL also will fund research and education at a cost of $10 million.

Individual awards would be capped at $5 million for men who have or develop ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease or another severe cognitive impairment; $4 million for those diagnosed with CTE after their deaths; and $3 million for players with dementia.