Modifications Are Made to Disability Program

Members of the alliance formed by NFL officials to address the medical and financial needs of retired players made a series of modifications to the league's disability program during a meeting yesterday at a downtown Washington law office.

The changes, officials said, are designed to increase the amount of the benefits paid to certain former players and to expand the pool of retired players eligible for disability payments.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFL Players Association chief Gene Upshaw participated in the meeting, along with 10 former players and representatives of the NFL Alumni Association and Pro Football Hall of Fame, at the offices of Covington & Burling, the league's outside counsel.

"You always want to make improvements, and we're going to continue to do that," Upshaw said. "There's a commitment from the NFL and a commitment from us. There's a record there. We haven't gotten credit for it, but there is a record there. We've been doing this for a long time."

Upshaw and other officials said the league, the union and other members of the alliance decided to increase the benefit for retired players who became disabled unrelated to football from $20,000 per year to $40,000 annually.

Former players who took their NFL pensions early will be given a four-month window beginning in April to apply for total and permanent disability, which they may establish through a medical examination or by a disability determination from Social Security.

It also was decided that players who have been given a permanent and total disability determination from Social Security will not need to establish disability separately under the NFL plan, and players found to be disabled by Social Security after being denied benefits by the league plan can have their cases reconsidered by the NFL.

Also, the deadline for a player to apply for line of duty disability benefits was extended for some players, giving a player one year for every season that he played (or four years, whichever is greater) to apply for such benefits. Currently, a player must apply for such benefits within four years.

"These changes are significant," Goodell said. "We've been focused on two areas, the medical and the disabilities. Some of these changes deal with improving the benefits and some deal with improving the process."

Upshaw, in particular, has received heavy criticism by some former players for his handling of the pension and disability issues.

Around the League

Linebacker Tedy Bruschi decided against retirement and agreed to a contract to remain with the New England Patriots, an NFL source said. He had been eligible for unrestricted free agency. . . .

The Cleveland Browns were unable to complete a deal with quarterback Derek Anderson, who is now a restricted free agent. . . .

The Dallas Cowboys re-signed four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Flozell Adams. . . .

The Philadelphia Eagles released defensive end Jevon Kearse, who had just 3 1/2 sacks this past season. . . .

The Oakland Raiders signed defensive tackle Tommy Kelly to a seven-year contract to keep him off the unrestricted free agent market. The deal is worth about $50 million, including slightly more than $18 million guaranteed. . . .

The Kansas City Chiefs told cornerback Ty Law he will be released, likely within the next week. . . .

The Carolina Panthers re-signed fullback Brad Hoover and cornerback Dante Wesley. . . .

The San Francisco 49ers signed defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga to a five-year deal. . . .

The Baltimore Ravens released center Mike Flynn, saving $2 million in salary cap space. . . .

The St. Louis Rams released wide receiver Isaac Bruce and backup quarterback Gus Frerotte. . . .

The San Diego Chargers released fullback Lorenzo Neal, safety Marlon McCree and offensive tackle Shane Olivea. . . .

The Houston Texans re-signed wide receiver Andre' Davis to a four-year, $16 million contract that includes $8 million guaranteed. . . .

The Detroit Lions re-signed cornerback Keith Smith. . . . The Buffalo Bills released cornerback Kiwaukee Thomas.