NFL Europe doesn't count in proposed concussion deal
Players from the United States once crossed the ocean to play for teams in NFL Europe.
Awards in the tentative settlement of concussion suits against the NFL won't have the same reach -- if the agreement is approved.
Seasons played in NFL Europe won't count in the formula for monetary compensation in the proposed settlement. Former London Monarchs quarterback Preston Jones is among those objecting in court.
"I have been dealing with depression for probably 15 years now. Anxiety, aggression, memory loss, those types things I've been dealing with and seeing a therapist and psychiatrist for," the 44-year-old Jones told USA Today Sports Thursday by phone from Anderson, S.C.
Compensation for players is based on "eligible seasons" in the NFL – not NFL Europe, also known at various times from 1991-2007 as the World League of American Football and NFL Europa.
The settlement does not require former players to prove their conditions are football related, nor does the NFL acknowledge they are.
"This is extraordinary and makes no rational sense," said an objection filed by Jones' attorneys this week in federal court in Philadelphia, where the tentative settlement of suits filed by more than 5,000 former NFL players is under review.
"The NFL originated and maintained ownership and control of its European league equivalent. … There is no evidence … that effects of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury are less in magnitude or prevalence among NFL players who played in Europe versus the United States."
Chris Seeger, co-lead counsel for the former players in their consolidated suits against the NFL, was not available Thursday for comment on why those who played in Europe were excluded. But he has said that it was part of the "give and take" of negotiations to reach a settlement with the league and that the primary objective was to get help to NFL players.
From the early stages, Jones suspected his issues were football related. He now worries about having the brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
"I played 21 years going back to when I was 8 years old,'' said the former University of Georgia quarterback. "So it was a lot of years – and (included) five years of pro football. I figured that might have had something to do with it."
Jones played one NFL season (1993) as third quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Under the tentative settlement, a player with one eligible NFL season would receive an 80 percent downgrade of any compensation.
After being released by the Eagles in training camp in 1994 and the Atlanta Falcons in camp in 1995, Jones played the 1996 and 1997 seasons for NFL Europe in London. He said a knee injury his second season in London ended his career.
"Back when I played, getting your 'bell rung' was just kind of an everyday thing. It was just something you kind of shook off and went back and played. Nowadays, they keep you out and monitor you," Jones said.
"I did not have a documented concussion. I had several mini-concussions. … I was dazed. … Getting hit, your head hitting the ground, people didn't pay attention to that a lot."
Under the settlement, the estate of an ex-player diagnosed with CTE by an examination of his brain after death could qualify for an award of up to $4 million.
Jones' family would not be eligible for that because a former player had to have been diagnosed with CTE prior to July 7, 2014, the date the settlement was approved preliminarily by a federal judge in Philadelphia.
There are other awards for neurocognitive impairment, should Jones qualify, he would be subject to the 80 percent reduction. If his two seasons in NFL Europe were counted and he had three eligible seasons, the deduction would be 40 percent.
Jones could have opted out of the settlement (the deadline was Tuesday). He chose to remain in the settlement, according to his attorney, James Capretz of Newport Beach, Calif.
"If you opt out of the settlement, the only way to pursue any claim you may have now or in the future is through litigation. … One small ex-NFL player versus the NFL, I don't think I probably need to elaborate on that," Capretz said.
"If the settlement, before it's approved, can be modified or adjusted or amended to take care of this group … that would do what Preston is looking for, for himself and for others similarly situation."
Jones, who works for a bank in his hometown of Anderson, was not part of any concussion suit against the NFL, but the settlement covers all former NFL players (unless they opt out).
Jones said his wife, Katherine motivated him to contact attorneys. "We've been married almost 19 years now, so she's seen the struggles I've gone through," he said.
He is concerned about CTE.
"Yeah, I worry about it because of the depression and memory loss," he said.
He still follows football. "I watch college football and pro football all the time," he said.
He has three children. His 11-year-old son, Kameron, plays football and is a quarterback.
"I didn't push him on the sport at all. He wants to play, so I'm very involved with his coaches and making sure they're getting taught the right way and being on top of any head injuries he may have as he plays football," Jones said.
He said he has another 8-year-old son who'll will also have to wait until he is 10 to play football.
Jones said he got involved in the settlement because of his family. "You start thinking about your family and your wife and kids, so definitely that becomes a big issue," he said.
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Follow Gary Mihoces on Twitter @ByGaryMihoces