Judge has concerns about $75 million NCAA head injury settlement

Published Oct. 23, 2014 4:07 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHICAGO -- The judge overseeing a proposed head injury settlement with the NCAA has concerns about the deal and is holding off on granting preliminary approval.

U.S. District Judge John Lee told a Thursday hearing in Chicago he's worried about the vast scope of the $75 million agreement that offers medical tests for former and current athletes. After questioning attorneys for 2 1/2 hours, Lee adjourned. He didn't say when he'd issue a ruling.

Under the agreement, athletes would forfeit rights to sue the NCAA for a single, massive damages payout. And Lee wondered if they'd be able to win sufficient damages suing as individuals.

He also questioned the wisdom of including athletes as far back as the 1950s, saying the agreement seems to cover "every athlete for all time."