Federal Judge Blocks $914 Million NFL Concussion Settlement. Now What?

Monkey wrench time for the $914 million NFL concussion settlement. A federal judge in Philadelphia tentatively rejected the landmark pact, saying it might not provide enough money for the thousands of retired players who could come down with neuro-degenerative diseases as a result of knocking heads on the field. Now what happens?

Doesn’t “settlement” imply that a lawsuit is, um, settled?
Normally, yes. The vast majority of cases settle privately and receive the necessary judicial approval. Because of the complicated nature of the former players’ mass action against the National Football League, this pact required an especially careful look from U.S. District Judge Anita Brody, who oversaw the consolidated lawsuits. Not all judges exercise their authority to look at the fine print. Brody, to her credit, did.