NCAA reaches $70 million settlement in concussion lawsuit

The NCAA has reached a settlement with former players suing for concussion reform, the organization announced in a release. The NCAA will provide $70 million to allow former and current athletes to receive tests for brain injuries, as well as funding educational initiatives and further research into concussions.

The proposed settlement, which has not yet been approved by Judge John Lee, would allow athletes who competed in any sport at an NCAA school in the past 50 years the chance to qualify for "physical examination, neurological measurements and neurocognitive assessments."

The settlement will not prevent players from suing the NCAA separately, and the results of the tests in the settlement could open the way for more lawsuits.

The settlement also includes unified return-to-play guidelines for all schools when dealing with concussed players, part of an apparent push by the NCAA to formalize certain safety rules that have otherwise been left up to the schools. Concussed players will not be allowed to return to the field (or practice) on the same day as the injury, and will require clearance from a physician. On-site personnel trained in concussion treatment and management will be a requirement at all games and practices.

The NCAA also recently settled a video games likenesses lawsuit for $20 million.