Family Of Frostburg Football Player Who Died Will Settle Suit With NCAA

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The family of a Frostburg State University football player who died after getting a concussion in practice will settle a lawsuit with the NCAA. Derek Sheely passed away in 2011. Since then, his family has fought for stricter concussion protocols.

The details of the settlement with the NCAA have not yet been disclosed, but the impact of the deal could be far-reaching, WJZ's Meghan McCorkell reports.

In August of 2011, 22-year-old Derek Sheely was on the practice field at Frostburg State University when he collapsed. He'd never wake up again.

Court documents show Sheely had complained to coaches of a headache, but a coach told him: "Stop your bitching and moaning and quit acting like a [expletive] and get back out there."

Doctors say Sheely died after suffering multiple concussions. His family sued the coaches and the NCAA.

RELATED: Md. Family Sues Over Frostburg State Football Player Death

In an interview with HBO Real Sports, Ken Sheely says what he really wants from the lawsuit: "A greater package of things that can reduce the risk that the student athletes are accepting when they're playing these sports that they love."

The NCAA tried to get the case thrown out, claiming it had no legal duty to protect athletes. In April, a judge ruled that the NCAA and the coaches would have to face a trial.

Last month, a settlement was reached. The State Board of Public Works will vote on a $50,000 payout to the Sheely Foundation from Frostburg State. Details on the NCAA payout have not been disclosed.

The case could have a significant impact on the way concussions are handled in college sports.

"That's all we can do now is know that perhaps with our pain and pushing forward will just help other children

The NCAA has already issued stricter concussion guidelines.

The state is expected to approve the settlement involving the coaches--who are state employees--during a meeting Wednesday.