NFL Concussion Deal: Lakeville's Paul Krause Will 'Wait and See"

The settlement proposed Thursday in an NFL players' lawsuit on concussion-related injuries has a Lakeville connection. 

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Lakeville resident Paul Krause, whoplayed for the Minnesota Vikings from 1968–79 and now serves on the Dakota County Board of Commissioners. 

Krause was cautious in comments he gave to the Star Tribune: 

“My reaction is wait and see,” said Paul Krause, 71, the Hall of Fame former Vikings safety. “We don’t know how they’re going to decide who gets what. Hopefully the older guys, who played in the league a long time back, in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, will get their due. That’s my main concern. The league, they’re not going to come right out and say, ‘It was our fault.’ But, with this settlement, they’re saying they have some fault in it. But, personally, I don’t think they settled for enough. ...

Like many former players, Krause, who said he sustained some severe concussions, has good days and bad. “My head bothers me,” he said. “I can tell sometimes when I’m not going to feel real well. … Some days my head hurts so bad I don’t know what to do. I try to do a good job of faking it.’’

More on the NFL and concussions: 

• Text of the judge's order in player lawsuit (Star Tribune)
• 'League of Denial: The NFL's Concussion Crisis' (Frontline PBS)

More on Paul Krause at Lakeville Patch: 

• Comments from Commissioner Krause at June 7, 2012 Rotary Club
• Krause of Lakeville Won't Rule Out Reelection Bid
• Lakeville Now in One County Commission District

More on concussions at Lakeville Patch: 

• Concussions Part 1: What Minnesota's New Sports Concussion Law Means
• Concussions Part 2: Proper Steps Important In Return From Head Injuries
• Concussions Part 3: Girl's Testimony Helps Change Concussion Law

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