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A national football helmet manufacturer and related companies have agreed in a federal court settlement to pay $100,000 to a former Jersey Shore Area High School football player who sustained a traumatic brain injury while wearing the head protection.
As an 18-year-old senior, Caleb Leone and the rest of the Jersey Shore High School football team were practicing on Aug. 14, 2018, when he and another player collided, putting Leone out of the game forever.
Leone suffered a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for weeks. He later showed tremendous progress and engaged in physical therapy nearly every day.
The family sued the maker of the helmet, saying it was faulty and that it was the reason for his head trauma.
This week, U.S. Middle District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann approved the petition and approval of settlement from Riddell Inc., BRG Sports Inc., Riddell Sports Group, Riddell/All American Sports Corp., according to the court order.
There was an irrevocable trust in Leone's estate established, the court document stated.
In a tribute by the district and Jersey Shore Bulldogs' community, Leone's number 20 football jersey was retired.