NFL concussion fund pays out $485M, but more doctors sought

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A claims administrator for the NFL concussion fund says it has paid out $485 million since its start in 2017.

But some retired players’ lawyers at a court hearing Tuesday in Philadelphia say there aren’t enough doctors in the approved network to diagnose dementia cases.

They oppose a rule to require players to be evaluated by doctors within 150 miles of home to prevent “doctor shopping.”

Fund administrator Orran Brown says many ex-players flocked to four doctors now dismissed from the program who had “high-volume” traffic and some suspect findings.

Lawyer Gene Locks asked Senior U.S. District Judge Anita Brody not to impose the rule. He says it’s important that retired players get to choose their own doctors.

The fund is expected to pay out more than $1 billion over 65 years.