Thread by @RussellOkung

The NFL concussion settlement in Jan 2017 was supposed to deliver justice in the form of financial compensation for retired players affected by hazardous work conditions. 2 yrs later, justice remains delayed. Let’s review how the NFL has avoided paying settlement claims. [THREAD]

1) The @NFL has demanded “audits” of more than HALF of claims submitted - sometimes demanding MULTIPLE audits of the same claim. This forces players and their families to endure an exhausting, opaque process more than once: bit.ly/2UfvYby

2) In one case the @NFL appealed an Alzheimer’s claim the day before check-writing because it discovered a 3-year-old video of the player “speaking publicly” in a lucid manner. The NFL can even audit a claim after it’s been paid: bit.ly/2Z4AqNY

3) Of the 1,479 dementia claims, which make up the majority of claims filed, only 11% have been paid. It’s no wonder players sued the League in 2017 for obstruction and delays. bit.ly/2thzszb

4) The NFL is litigating just about every claim, despite having reached a settlement in court. The older a player, the less money he is eligible to receive. There is incentive to drag out payments. This behavior is similar to an insurance company trying to delay-and-deny claims.

5) Retiree George Andrie was diagnosed with dementia by 4 different doctors. His condition required 24-hour care. His claim was denied due to much stricter standards for evaluating dementia initiated by the league.

The reason that was cited for denying his claim, and the professional opinion of 4 medical professionals was quote: “his appearance was neat and well kempt.”

The @NFL got so much backlash for their appeal that they withdrew it the day before the hearing...