NCAA Hit with $18M Verdict in Landmark Concussion Lawsuit: What It Means for Athletes

NCAA Faces $18 Million Verdict in Concussion Case

In a significant ruling, a South Carolina jury has ordered the NCAA to pay $18 million to Robert Geathers, a former college football player, and his wife, Debra. The jury found the NCAA negligent for not warning players about the long-term risks of concussions.

Robert Geathers, now 68, played as a defensive end at South Carolina State University from 1977 to 1980. Years ago, doctors diagnosed him with dementia. He now struggles with daily tasks like dressing and cooking. Physicians at the trial noted that he shows signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition linked to repeated head trauma, although CTE can only be diagnosed after death.

During the trial, the Geathers’ attorneys argued that the hits he took during games and practices led to his current health issues, which surfaced decades later. Attorney Bakari Sellers claimed the NCAA had known about concussion risks since the 1930s but hadn’t adequately informed coaches and players. “Their duty was to keep the boys safe,” he asserted.

The NCAA disagrees with the verdict. Spokesperson Greg Johnson stated that the organization is prepared to appeal, emphasizing that they have won similar cases across the country. Johnson also mentioned that Geathers’ various health issues were contributing factors to his dementia.

NCAA attorney Andy Fletcher argued that head impacts are an unavoidable part of football. He noted that the NCAA’s rules had followed the existing knowledge about the game’s risks at the time.

According to the jury, the NCAA unreasonably increased the risk of harm for Geathers and failed in its duty to protect him. After the decision, Sellers expressed relief, saying it brought justice to the Geathers family.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about player safety in college sports, particularly regarding brain injuries. A recent study showed that nearly 10% of college athletes report concussions each year. With the spotlight on health and safety standards, this ruling could prompt changes across college athletics.

For more details on the ongoing research around concussions in sports, you can check the CDC’s report here: CDC Concussion in Sports.

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