Former Texas player files $50 million lawsuit against NCAA
Julius Whittier, a former Texas player, has filed a $50 million class-action lawsuit against the NCAA on behalf of everyone who he says played NCAA football from 1960-2014, didn't play professionally and has head injuries from his playing career.
The lawsuit, filed in a U.S. District Court in Austin, Tex., says Whittier seeks damages for "a latent brain injury, early onset Alzheimer's disease, caused by repeated traumatic head impacts suffered" by the players.
Whittier played offensive lineman and tight end at Texas from 1969-1972. According to the lawsuit, which you can view in full here thanks to KEYE-TV in Austin, Whittier experienced repeated traumatic head impacts.
"Mr. Whittier was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease on or about August 30, 2012," the lawsuit states. "Mr. Whittier believes that he suffered repeated traumatic head impacts over his college career, but because of his current condition, Mr. Whittier is unable to recall any incidences of head impacts. However, upon information belief, Mr. Whittier submits there to have been many such impacts during his career, but he cannot recall them with specificity."
Whittier is seeking at least $5 million in restitution. The lawsuit also states that the NCAA has failed to educate football players on the long-term and life-altering risks of playing football and has failed to establish known protocols to prevent, mitigate, monitor, diagnose and treat brain injuries.
In July, the NCAA reached a $75 million settlement with 12 plaintiffs in a concussion lawsuit. However, as part of the settlement, no damages were paid and money went to concussion protocols and research. Four of the athletes deposed in the lawsuit received just $5,000 each.
Earlier in July, the NCAA released new guidelines for concussions and hitting in practice. However, the guidelines are not rules. In May, the NCAA and Department of Defense announced a $30 million study looking into concussions.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
