Dave Duerson's heirs won't appeal NFL concussion settlement

PHILADELPHIA -- The family of the late Chicago Bears safety Dave Duerson has decided not to appeal the potential $1 billion settlement of NFL concussion lawsuits.

Chicago lawyer Thomas Demetrio says the family doesn't want to hold up awards for retirees who need them sooner rather than later.

Demetrio has criticized aspects of the plan, especially the exclusion of future awards for the brain trauma found in Duerson and other former players after their deaths.

However, Demetrio says the Duersons and other clients will support the plan for the sake of nearly 20,000 NFL retirees.

The NFL could pay out $1 billion over 65 years for player awards, medical care and medical monitoring.

A federal judge in Philadelphia has approved the settlement. But at least one other planned appeal could keep it on hold.