The NCAA doesn’t have a blanket waiver, so you can potentially sue for negligence and endangerment. On tampering, the NCAA typically enforces those rules. Consider reporting NCAA violations so they can penalize the school.
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Do I have grounds to sue my school for negligence?
Sorry to hear this. What happened that you believe was negligent?
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I. Recruitment Tampering/NCAA Violations: In 2022, a coach contacted me directly (tampering) and offered $2,000/month under the table to transfer. I transferred based on that promise; payments were inconsistent then stopped.
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II. Medical Negligence/Malpractice: After a serious ankle/foot injury needing surgery (9-month recovery), the coach and training staff pressured me to practice before surgery, skipped surgeon follow-up/clearance post-op, removed my boot early, and cleared me to full activity. Result: severe swelling and additional back and knee injuries.
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III. Academic Retaliation: They put me (and others) in a 20-credit load during season—far above typical 12–15—causing stress and mental health harm.
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IV. Carryover at UMass: I later transferred, was medically disqualified due to injuries, lost athletic aid under policy.
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V. Damages: Lasting physical injuries; lost NIL/pro career; lost promised $2k/month; lost aid; out-of-pocket costs; anxiety/depression.
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VI. Legal Theories: Fraudulent inducement; NCAA rule violations; medical negligence/malpractice; negligence per se; IIED; breach of fiduciary duty.
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VII. Ask: Seeking counsel to pursue claims.
Have you tried addressing this with the school or other channels?
Yes, I just filed a formal complaint.
To best help, did you sign any waivers?
What kind of waivers?
Liability/injury waivers can affect your ability to sue. Did you sign any?
I don’t think so.
The NCAA doesn’t have a blanket waiver, so you can potentially sue for negligence and endangerment. On tampering, the NCAA typically enforces those rules. Consider reporting NCAA violations so they can penalize the school.
Do you think I have a solid case?
Yes—you have viable claims, especially due to worsened injuries and the illicit payment. You could also try arbitration or mediation to avoid a full lawsuit.
Can I talk to a lawyer?
I am a lawyer. Hiring a local attorney is also a good idea.
What should my next steps be?
Engage a local attorney; consider a demand letter before filing suit outlining your claims and proposed resolution. If you settle, you’ll sign a binding agreement and receive compensation.
