Players, agents react to NFL's $765M concussion lawsuit settlement

The concussion settlement, including plaintiffs' legal fees, may cost NFL owners almost $1 billion total. (Ross D. Franklin/AP) The NFL will have to pay up to

The concussion settlement, including plaintiffs' legal fees, may cost NFL owners almost $1 billion total. (Ross D. Franklin/AP)

The NFL will have to pay up to $765 million to a group of approximately 4,500 former players who sued the league over concussion-related issues. But is it enough?

Not hardly, based on the initial reaction from players (current and former) and agents to the settlement announcement. The near-unanimous opinion appeared to be that the NFL got off light in the case, which some thought would cost the league upwards of $2 billion before all was said and done.

KING: Concussion lawsuit settlement a win for NFL

Former linebacker Aaron Curry, who just announced his retirement this week, was among those who took to Twitter to express disappointment with the developments:

Settlement on #concussions not gonna make up for early death, forgetting kids name and rest of stuff that come w/ brain trauma.
Prayers

— Aaron Curry M.Ed. (@AaronCurry51) August 29, 2013

Current Raiders punter Chris Kluwe, always one to speak his mind, at least acknowledged that the $765-million fee was better than nothing, though he joined Curry in wondering what it will really accomplish:

Others, including ex-NFL player LeCharles Bentley were less magnanimous. Bentley sued the Browns following his retirement in 2009, after he contracted a serious staph infection while attempting to rehab a knee injury.

In all seriousness, there are some players that REALLY deserve that money. They were original guinea pigs of this game. Sad part, they STILL

— LeCharles Bentley (@64AMDG) August 29, 2013

Won't get what they deserve for shear numbers of plaintiffs in case and lawyers fattening their pockets. That's the real shame in this.

— LeCharles Bentley (@64AMDG) August 29, 2013

Agent David Canter of DEC Management unleashed a series of angry tweets in the moments following the settlement's announcement. Included were the following:

One-time NFL tight end Alex Holmes, who played his college football at USC, cut more directly to the heart of the matter: