CHICAGO (AP) — A former college football captain has filed a federal lawsuit against the NCAA, saying the organization has failed to protect student-athletes from concussions.
Adrian Arrington says he suffered “numerous and repeated concussions” during his years playing at Eastern Illinois. A captain in 2009, he says he suffers from memory loss, depression and near-daily migraines as a result of his injuries. He says he was never coached on how to play more safely.
The lawsuit seeks class-action status and unspecified monetary damages. It also calls for changes in policy including the establishment of a medical monitoring program and new concussion guidelines for schools and coaches.
The Indianapolis-based NCAA said Friday it has addressed the issue of head injuries with playing rules, equipment requirements and medical practices. It says the suit contains “gross misstatements about the NCAA.”