Judge denies NFL's investigator request in concussion case

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A federal judge denied a request from the NFL on Wednesday to appoint a special investigator to look into what the league says is extensive fraudulent claims on the $1 billion concussion settlement.

Judge Anita Brody wrote in her federal court ruling that the league's attorneys had demonstrated that there is "sufficient evidence of probable fraud to warrant serious concern." But Brody said a special master and a claims administrator have effectively ferreted out those claims for now.

"The audit process is working effectively," Brody wrote in her deferral ruling, saying if the claims administrator or special master notify the court an investigator is needed, "the Court will rule on the motion at that time.