NFLPA Settles Lawsuit Over Use Of Retired Players' Images

NEW STATE OF THE UNION: Smith said that beyond saving $2.1M by settling with the players instead of appealing the penalty, he "wanted to move toward a better partnership with retired players." In N.Y., Alan Schwarz notes the settlement will net the more than 2,000 players listed in the suit about $10,000 apiece after lawyers' fees, "half this year and the other half within two years" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/5). The AP's John Wawrow noted the settlement is the "first concrete sign of a thaw between" the NFLPA and retired players, and an "indication that Smith is prepared to chart a new course for a union that's entering a critical juncture." Attorney Ron Katz, who repped the players, said he and Herb Adderley, class representative for the retired players, both "believe that this is a historic first step in that direction." Katz added Smith "put his money where his mouth is." Adderley noted a "significant difference in dealing with the union now that Smith is in control" (AP, 6/4).

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