🔗 Share this article

A Palmetto State panel has ruled that the NCAA has to compensate a ex- university football player and his wife a total of $18m, finding the association at fault for not managing to warn the individual about the long-term effects of concussions.

Details of the Case

Following a civil trial that ended recently, jurors in Orangeburg county granted $10m to 68-year-old Robert Geathers, who played as a defensive end at the university from 1977 to 1980. His spouse, Mrs. Geathers, was awarded $8m, according to legal records.

A doctor identified Robert Geathers with dementia in the past, as reported a publication. Geathers now struggles with everyday tasks such as dressing himself and assisting in meal preparation.

Other physicians who testified at the proceedings said that Geathers shows symptoms of CTE, a degenerative condition found in ex- athletes who sustained repeated impacts to the head while participating. This condition can exclusively be diagnosed posthumously.

Claims and Testimony

The legal team argued to the jury that blows Geathers received during practices and games for the historically Black school in Orangeburg caused trauma that remained hidden until decades later.

His lawyer, Bakari Sellers, said that the NCAA knew about concussion risks since the earlier era, and at the time Geathers's college career ended, but didn't tell staff or players about those risks until a subsequent time.

"Everything they knew, they concealed," Sellers informed the panel, adding that "their job was to ensure the boys safe."

The Association Response and Appeal

The verdict can be challenged. In a release provided through a representative, the organization said that it disagreed with the verdict and was "prepared to pursue our rights on post-trial motions and on review, if required."

"The NCAA have won in every other court case nationally on similar matters," and the university team standards "followed the knowledge that existed at the period, and college football did not lead to his lifelong health problems," the communication continued.

NCAA trial attorney Andy Fletcher said at the trial that Geathers has multiple medical issues that influence dementia-like symptoms, and that the NCAA's football rules committee is made up of members of member schools that could propose regulations.

"It is inevitable that head impacts. That's inherent to the game. You can't take such contact out of the game," Fletcher remarked in closing arguments.

Jury Findings

According to reports, the jury found that the NCAA "heightened the danger of injury of head impacts to Robert Geathers over and above the hazards inherent to the sport." And it also concluded that the NCAA "took on responsibilities to protect the well-being of him" and that the NCAA "failed in their duties" to him.

Following the trial, the attorney said that the result delivered fairness: "I felt good to hug her. She gets to return and inform her spouse positive developments."