NCAA Not Liable for Former Quarterback’s Death, Jury Rules
NCAA Found Not Liable in Former Quarterback’s Death Lawsuit
Cullen Finnerty
The recent jury decision in Indianapolis finding the NCAA not liable for the death of former college quarterback Cullen Finnerty is a reminder of the ongoing legal battles regarding the health and safety of college athletes. Finnerty won three Division II national championships as the starting quarterback for Grand Valley State in the early 2000s before dying in May 2013 at the age of 30. An autopsy revealed that chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a disease caused by concussions and repeated blows to the head, was a contributing factor in his death. His widow, Jennifer Finnerty, sued the NCAA, alleging that the association failed to protect college athletes and inform them about the risks of head injuries while playing football.
While the jury found in favor of the NCAA in this case, it is just one of many similar lawsuits that have been filed against the NCAA. Finnerty’s case is also not the first lawsuit to reach a jury verdict, with the NCAA successfully defending another similar claim just a few months earlier.
The legal battles surrounding the NCAA’s responsibility for the health and safety of college athletes have been ongoing for several years. In 2016, the NCAA settled a class-action concussion lawsuit by agreeing to pay $70 million to monitor the medical conditions of former college athletes, $5 million towards medical research, and up to $5,000 towards individual players claiming injuries. The association also settled another lawsuit brought by the widow of a former Texas football player in 2018 for an undisclosed amount.
Despite these settlements, the NCAA remains a defendant in dozens of similar cases, with former football players alleging that they have suffered brain health issues as a result of playing college sports. These lawsuits argue that the central governing organization of college sports should bear some responsibility for the long-term health problems associated with head injuries athletes suffer while playing for their schools.
The NCAA has maintained that it is not legally responsible for the health and safety of college athletes, arguing that Cullen Finnerty's death was caused by other health problems and addictions that were not a result of the concussion he suffered in college or smaller blows to the head that occurred during his playing days. The association has also disputed that there is medical evidence linking CTE to substance abuse problems.
The legal battles and ongoing lawsuits highlight the need for colleges and universities to take responsibility for the health and safety of their student-athletes. While the NCAA may not be held liable in court, colleges and universities have a responsibility to ensure that their athletes are properly protected from head injuries and other health issues. In addition to implementing proper safety protocols, colleges and universities should also provide education to student-athletes about the risks of head injuries and the long-term effects of playing sports.
Student-athletes and their families should also take an active role in protecting their health and wellbeing. This includes being aware of the risks associated with playing sports and taking precautions to prevent head injuries. It is also important to communicate with schools and coaches about any health concerns or issues.
The recent jury decision finding the NCAA not liable for the death of former college quarterback Cullen Finnerty is just one example of the ongoing legal battles surrounding the health and safety of college athletes. While colleges and universities have a responsibility to protect their student-athletes, student-athletes and their families also play a critical role in safeguarding their health and wellbeing. It is important for all parties involved to work together to ensure that the risks associated with playing sports are minimized, and that proper protocols are in place to prevent long-term health problems. If you or someone you know is having issues related to the health and safety of college athletes, consult with an education lawyer from EducationLawyers.com for guidance and support.