NCAA Ordered to Pay $18 Million for Negligence in Concussion Case Involving Former College Football Player

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — A South Carolina jury recently ruled that the NCAA must pay a former college football player and his wife $18 million for negligence related to long-term effects of concussions. This decision came after a civil trial that concluded late last week, where jurors found the NCAA failed to adequately warn players about the dangers associated with concussions.

The jury awarded $10 million to 68-year-old Robert Geathers, who played as a defensive end at South Carolina State University from 1977 to 1980. Geathers’ wife, Debra Geathers, received $8 million. Reports indicate that Robert has been diagnosed with dementia, and his condition severely affects his daily activities, such as dressing himself and preparing meals.

During the trial, medical experts suggested that Geathers exhibits signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disorder commonly seen in athletes exposed to repeated head trauma. Symptoms of CTE generally manifest years after the initial injuries, making assignment of responsibility complicated. Attorneys for the Geathers couple argued that the head injuries sustained during practices and games significantly contributed to his current health issues.

Geathers’ attorney, Bakari Sellers, expressed that the NCAA was aware of the risks surrounding concussions as early as the 1930s but failed to inform players and coaches. “Their job was to keep the boys safe,” Sellers emphasized.

The NCAA, in response to the verdict, expressed disagreement and stated it is prepared to pursue an appeal. NCAA attorney Andy Fletcher highlighted that the NCAA has won similar cases in other jurisdictions and maintained that the organization’s procedures complied with the knowledge available at the time of Geathers’ college career. Fletcher noted that health conditions beyond football could be influencing Geathers’ current condition.

Jurors concluded that the NCAA “unreasonably increased the risk of harm” to Robert Geathers and that the organization “negligently breached their duties” to ensure player safety. After the trial, Sellers remarked on the importance of the verdict, describing it as justice for the Geathers family, stating, “I felt good to hug Debra Geathers. She gets to go home and tell her husband some good news.”