MIAMI (AP) -- An attorney for the NFL says former players should
not be allowed to sue for damages over concussions they suffered
because player safety issues are governed by the league's
collective bargaining agreement.

NFL lawyer Beth Wilkinson said Thursday there are now 21
lawsuits filed in six states by more than 300 former players over
head injuries. Some players are also suing helmet maker Riddell.

A federal judicial panel held a hearing in Miami on whether to
consolidate the lawsuits before a single judge for pretrial
matters. The leading choice is a judge in Philadelphia, where the
first lawsuit was filed.

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation typically
issues decisions within a few weeks

Plaintiffs include former stars Ottis Anderson, Mark Duper, Tony
Dorsett, Jim McMahon, Lem Barney and others.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)