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A federal judge on Monday granted preliminary approval to a landmark deal that would compensate thousands of former NFL players for concussion-related claims. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Anita Brody in Philadelphia came about two weeks after the NFL agreed to remove a $675 million cap on damages. Brody had previously questioned whether that would be enough money to pay all claims. "A class action settlement that offers prompt relief is superior to the likely alternative — years of expensive, difficult, and uncertain litigation, with no assurance of recovery, while retired players physical and mental conditions continue to deteriorate," Brody wrote. More than 4,500 former players have filed suit, some accusing the league of fraud for its handling of concussions. They include former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett and Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon, who suffers from dementia. The settlement is designed to last at least 65 years and give $1 million or more to retirees who develop Lou Gehrigs disease and other profound neurological problems. "This is an extraordinary settlement for retired NFL players and their families — from those who suffer with neuro-cognitive illnesses today, to those who are currently healthy but fear they may develop symptoms decades into the future," plaintiffs attorneys Sol Weiss and Christopher Seeger said in a statement. NFL senior vice-president Anastasia Danias said in a statement that the league was "grateful to Judge Brody for her guidance and her thoughtful analysis of the issues as reflected in the comprehensive opinion she issued today." The original settlement included $675 million for compensatory claims for players with neurological symptoms, $75 million for baseline testing and $10 million for medical research and education. The NFL would also pay an additional $112 million to the players lawyers, for a total payout of more than $870 million. The revised settlement eliminates the cap on overall damage claims but retains a payout formula for individual retirees that considers their age and illness. A young retiree with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrigs disease, would receive $5 million, a 50-year-old with Alzheimers disease would get $1.6 million and an 80-year-old with early dementia would get $25,000. Even with the cap removed, both sides said they believe the NFL will spend no more than about $675 million on damage claims by ex-players. Critics of the deal have said the league, with annual revenues approaching $10 billion, was getting off lightly. They could raise objections at a fairness hearing scheduled for Nov. 19, and ultimately opt out of the settlement. However, they would then face the risk of a protracted legal fight, and would have to prove any injuries were caused by NFL concussions and not any suffered in youth or college sports. The proposed NFL settlement had originally barred claimants from seeking a separate settlement against the NCAA, but that clause has been removed. A separate lawsuit is pending against the NCAA in Illinois. "I think the judge has forced them to make improvements," said University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias, who teaches product liability law. "I think she always felt she had an obligation to the players, to be sure they were getting a fair deal ... given the treatment to date." The settlement would be capped at $4 million on behalf of players diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after their deaths, such as San Diego star Junior Seau or Pro Bowler Dave Duerson. Both of their families, through lawyers, have expressed concerns about the settlement. Duerson died at age 50. A family lawyer has called their projected $2.2 million award to the family "not adequate." Cheap Air Max 90 China . Louis second-period goal increased the New York Rangers lead but Dustin Brown has countered for the Los Angeles Kings who now trail the New York Rangers 2-1 in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final at Madison Square Garden. Yeezy Boost 350 V3 For Sale . LOUIS -- Known for his game-managing and defensive skills, Yadier Molina made another statement with his bat. http://www.brandshoescheaponline.com/who...rance-sale.html. -- Chris Jones and Louisville have done a tremendous job protecting the basketball this season and thats led to easy victories. Cheap Fake Air Max 95 . The 36-year-old said a few months ago he would hang up his boots at the end of the season, but has since changed his mind. "Its a pity the season is ending now, as I am in good physical shape and enjoying myself," Di Natale said. Yeezy Boost 350 V3 Fake . After missing 20 games as a rookie a year ago, Valanciunas - like the Raptors as a whole - has been fortunate to be in good health this season. As he spoke about it, the Raptors sophomore centre scanned the room for wood to knock on. "It is disappointing because we lost today so thats the worst part of the day," said Valanciunas, who left Tuesdays game with a lower-back sprain in the third quarter, missing the rest of Torontos 118-113 overtime defeat at the hands of the Hawks.LIVERPOOL, England - Everton defender Phil Jagielka fired in a stoppage-time equalizer to clinch a 1-1 draw in the 223rd Merseyside derby on Saturday and extend Liverpools winless run to three Premier League matches. Jagielka unleashed a half-volley from outside the penalty area just when it appeared captain Steven Gerrard had secured Liverpools win with his ninth derby league goal. Gerrard curled a free kick into the net in the 65th minute at Anfield, with goalkeeper Tim Howard getting a touch to the ball but unable to keep it out. It was three points we deserved, Gerrard said. Over the 90 minutes with the chances we created we are disappointed not to get three points. But it was at least a point for a Liverpool side that had lost its previous two league games. While Liverpool has won two of its opening six games, Everton has recorded just one victory in the league. We were clearly the dominant side in the game, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said. Everton are very fortunate to come away from here with a point. The game started at a frenetic pace and referee Martin Atkinson might have given two penalties and a red card in the opening 10 minutes. Everton appealed for a spot kick when Alberto Moreno appeared to bring down striker Romelu Lukaku but Atkinson waved it off, as he did four minutes later when Raheem Sterlings shot struck the arm of Everton midfielder Gareth Barry. Liverpool was attacking with verve and lots of pace, keen to get on top of Evertons leaky defence early on. Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli drew Howard into a first save with a deflected free kick, and from the corner the U.S. goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to keep out Adam Lallanas header. Lallana looked particularly bright, and the space down the flanks created by Evertons narrow midfield was giving full backs Moreeno and Javier Manquillo plenty of space to attack into.dddddddddddd Applying the finishing touch was the problem, though, and Balotelli lacked the necessary conviction on a number of occasions as he sought his first Premier League goal for Liverpool. Evertons attacks were ponderous in comparison, although Baines did get away down the left and rolled the ball across goal, where it was scrambled clear by Dejan Lovren. The visitors were dealt a blow on the half-hour mark when Kevin Mirallas appeared to pull a hamstring in full flight and was carried off to be replaced by Aiden McGeady. The good news for Everton was that its defence a€” the leagues worst a€” was holding up well and, when Liverpool did get through, Howard was on form, keeping out shots from Jordan Henderson and Sterling as the half drew to a close. Liverpool was straight on the attack after the break and James McCarthy did well to foil Lazar Markovic. Markovic was taken off to be replaced by Philippe Coutinho, and five minutes later Liverpool finally made the breakthrough. Baines was judged to have brought down Balotelli 22 yards (meters) out and Gerrard found the net from the dead-ball. It was nice to remind people that, although I am 34, I can still run and still play, Gerrard said. It should have been two as Sterling got away down the left before crossing for Balotelli, who hit the top of the bar from six yards (meters). Everton piled on the pressure without really looking like finding a leveler until Jagielkas dramatic intervention. The swinging worked, Jagielka said. A point is decent but we would have loved three. Going into the last few minutes 1-0 down to get a point is fantastic. Barry could even have won it with a late back-heel, but Everton remains without a win at Anfield in 15 years. ' ' '