Jury Verdict: NCAA Found Negligent in Concussion Case
In a striking legal battle with significant implications for college sports, a South Carolina jury has ordered the NCAA to pay $18 million to former college football player Robert Geathers and his wife, Debra. This landmark decision came after the jury found the NCAA negligent in failing to adequately warn Geathers about the long-term effects of concussions, a finding that could set precedents for future cases involving athletes and their health.
Background of the Case
Robert Geathers, a 68-year-old former defensive end, played for South Carolina State University from 1977 to 1980. Over the years, Geathers has suffered from dementia, a diagnosis that has drastically altered his daily life. He now faces challenges with fundamental tasks, including dressing himself and preparing meals. The jury’s decision is rooted in the assertion that the numerous head impacts Geathers endured during his football career contributed to his deteriorating mental health.
Medical Evidence and Expert Testimony
During the trial, multiple medical experts provided testimony indicating that Geathers exhibits symptoms consistent with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)—a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. Notably, CTE can only be definitively diagnosed posthumously. However, the testimonies underscored a compelling narrative that Geathers’ symptoms stemmed from the impacts sustained while playing football.
The Role of the NCAA
The trial’s proceedings raised critical questions about the NCAA’s knowledge of concussion risks. The plaintiff’s attorneys argued that the NCAA has been aware of potential concussion consequences since the 1930s but failed to communicate these risks effectively to players and coaches. Bakari Sellers, Geathers’ attorney, emphasized the organization’s responsibility to ensure player safety, stating, “Their job was to keep the boys safe.”
NCAA’s Defense
In response to the jury’s verdict, NCAA spokesperson Greg Johnson expressed disagreement, stating the organization was prepared to contest the ruling. He highlighted that the NCAA had been victorious in similar trials across the country, insisting that the South Carolina State University team adhered to the best practices known at the time of Geathers’ playing days. Moreover, NCAA trial attorney Andy Fletcher noted that Geathers’ dementia-like symptoms may be influenced by multiple health conditions unrelated to his football career.
Jury Findings
The jury concluded that the NCAA had “unreasonably increased the risk of harm” from head impacts beyond the inherent risks associated with playing football. They determined that the NCAA had voluntarily assumed a duty to protect Geathers’ health and consequently breached that duty, contributing to his current health problems.
Emotional Impact and Significance
Following the verdict, Bakari Sellers expressed a sense of justice: “I felt good to hug Debra Geathers. She gets to go home and tell her husband some good news.” The emotional weight of the verdict resonates deeply within the context of ongoing discussions about athlete safety, legal responsibilities, and the potential long-term consequences of concussion-related injuries in sports.
Broader Implications for College Sports
This ruling not only impacts the Geathers family but may also have far-reaching effects on how college sports organizations handle player health. As the conversation around concussions in sports continues to gain prominence, this case serves as a pivotal point in advocating for more stringent safety measures and transparency regarding the risks athletes face.
The jury’s decision has ignited dialogue about the responsibilities of sports organizations to protect their players, challenging the culture that often prioritizes competition over athlete well-being. The outcomes of this case may prompt further legal scrutiny and, potentially, changes within the NCAA and other governing bodies in college athletics.