Robert Geathers Awarded $10M For NCAA Negligence

Former student-athlete Robert Geathers and his spouse have been awarded a complete of $18 million after a jury discovered the Nationwide Collegiate Athletic Affiliation (NCAA) negligent in not warning him of the long-term results of concussions.

In keeping with The Related Press, the jury listening to the case of the previous South Carolina State College soccer participant has awarded Geathers $10 million, whereas additionally awarding his spouse, Debra, $8 million. The 68-year-old retired athlete performed for the college from 1977 to 1980.

Bakari Sellers, who represented the previous athlete, mentioned that the governing physique knew the dangers that concussions prompted for the reason that Nineteen Thirties, however failed to tell coaches and gamers in regards to the long-term results till later.

“The entire info they knew, they withheld,” Sellers advised jurors, “their job was to maintain the boys protected.”

The jury decided that the NCAA “unreasonably elevated the danger of hurt of head impacts to Robert Geathers over and above the dangers inherent to enjoying soccer.” The group “voluntarily assumed duties to guard the well being and security of Robert Geathers,” and the NCAA “negligently breached their duties” to him.

Geathers was identified with dementia a number of years in the past and has hassle with on a regular basis duties equivalent to dressing himself and serving to make meals. On the trial, a number of physicians testified that he shows signs of CTE (power traumatic encephalopathy- repeated blows to the pinnacle whereas enjoying a sport like soccer) that may solely be found after an individual dies.

In latest research, CTE has been prevalent in NFL gamers. In a 2023 report, the Boston College CTE Heart found that out of 376 former NFL gamers, 345 have been identified with CTE, a charge of 91.7%.

The NCAA disagreed with the choice and issued a press release indicating it could file an enchantment.

It said that they’re “ready to pursue our rights on post-trial motions and on enchantment, if mandatory.”

“The NCAA has prevailed in each different jury trial across the nation on these points,” and the South Carolina State workforce requirements “adopted the data that existed on the time, and school soccer didn’t trigger Mr. Geathers’ lifelong well being issues,” the assertion learn.

Sellers was pleased with the jury’s ruling.

“It felt good to hug Debra Geathers. She will get to go residence and inform her husband some excellent news.”

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