US appeals court upholds $50M settlement for retired NFL players

Several NFL retirees had argued the lawsuit settlement was unfair after a district court judge in 2013 ruled it was fair, reasonable and adequate.

The 8th US Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday upheld a $50 million lawsuit settlement regarding publicity rights for retired NFL players, according to the Associated Press.

The appeals court rejected arguments by several retirees -- including Jim Marshall, Joe Senser and Dan Pastorini -- that the class-action settlement on behalf of around 25,000 players was unfair. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson ruled in 2013 the settlement was fair, reasonable and adequate.

A primary objection to the the settlement was it didn't call for direct payments to former players. Instead, it set up a $42 million fund to help retired players with issues like medical expenses, housing and career transition. The settlement also established a licensing agency for retirees to ensure compensation for the use of their identities.