Judge denies NFL's request for special investigator in concussion fraud case

A federal judge has denied the NFL's request to hire a special investigator to address what the league is calling fraudulent claims regarding its $1 billion concussion settlement with former players.

In a federal court ruling, Judge Anita Brody ruled the NFL's attorneys did not establish "sufficient evidence of probable fraud to warrant serious concern," via the Associated Press. "The audit process is working effectively."

The league requested a special investigator in April, claiming that a large number of false claims had slowed the settlement.

"We want to ensure that players and their families receive the benefits they deserve," the NFL said in a statement following the ruling. "The Court overseeing the NFL Concussion Settlement today issued an order confirming that the NFL provided 'sufficient evidence of possible fraud to warrant serious concern' and commended the League for 'its commitment to faithfully implement the Settlement Agreement by bringing this issue to light.'"

The settlement, finalized in January 2017, resolved thousands of concussion-related lawsuits against the NFL.

Christopher Seeger, the co-lead counsel representing former players, said as of Monday, an independent administrator had approved 499 claims totaling over $485 million.