Football

Family of Junior Seau opts out of NFL concussion settlement


Former Chargers linebacker Junior Seau.
Former Chargers linebacker Junior Seau. The Associated Press

The family of Junior Seau has opted out of the proposed NFL settlement with former players over concussion-related injuries.

The family will continue its wrongful death lawsuit against the league. Seau, a star linebacker for 20 seasons who made 11 Pro Bowls, committed suicide in 2012.

“After careful consideration, the family of the late Junior Seau has decided to reject the proposed settlement as it does not include any valuation for the children’s wrongful death claims, among other deficiencies,” the family’s lawyer, Steve Strauss said in a statement.

The NFL in June agreed to remove a $675 million cap on damages from thousands of concussion-related claims. A federal judge preliminarily approved the settlement in July.

But former players and their families have the option to not participate in the settlement and pursue their own lawsuits.

This story was originally published September 3, 2014 at 12:08 PM with the headline "Family of Junior Seau opts out of NFL concussion settlement."

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