Jahvid Best files lawsuit against NFL over concussions

Former Detroit running back Jahvid Best filed a lawsuit against the NFL on Tuesday, claiming the league knew about the risks of head injuries and didn't do enough to protect players, according to James Jahnke of the Detroit Free Press.

In addition to the NFL, Riddell -- the helmet manufacturer used by many players -- was also named as a defendant. The lawsuit, which was filed in Wayne County Circuit Court, seeks unspecified "economic and noneconomic" damages. Best suffered three concussions during his two-year career with the Lions and hasn't played since October of 2011 because he is unable to receive medical clearance.

The former first-round pick also suffered two concussions during his college career at Cal. He was limited to 22 games in two seasons with Detroit. He visited several specialists in an effort to gain clearance to return to the field, but reportedly still had "residual effects" from concussions nearly two years after his last game, according to National Football Post.

Best becomes the latest player to sue the NFL over concussion issues. The league reached a tentative $765 million settlement over concussion injuries with 18,000 retired players in late August. That settlement was rejected by a judge earlier this month, with U.S. District Judge Anita Brody rejecting the deal because of fear that the sum might not be enough to cover 20,000 retired players.

Since being released by the Lions, Best returned to Cal and enrolled in classes. He's set to be a student assistant coach this season, according to the National Football Post.

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