October 17, 2024
Fifth Circuit Affirms Judgment Ruling in Favor of FormanWatkins SEC Head Coach Client
In a significant legal victory for the FormanWatkins NCAA Compliance and Sports Litigation team, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by a former student-athlete against their client, an SEC head football coach, and his University employer. The lawsuit alleged discrimination based on race and sex, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and gross negligence.
FormanWatkins attorneys W.G. Watkins, Mitch McGuffey, and Courtney Hunt represented the head coach with Mr. McGuffey arguing the appeal before the Fifth Circuit. The court issued a per curiam opinion affirming the district court’s dismissal stating, "The plaintiff has not demonstrated a violation of his rights under applicable law, nor has he shown that the actions of the defendant were motivated by discriminatory intent.” The appellate court issued its mandate on September 27, 2024.
