Former Kentucky receiver DeMoreo Ford files concussion lawsuit
The latest round of class-action concussion lawsuits against the NCAA and major college football conferences were filed by former college football players from Kentucky, Louisville, Murray State, Florida State, Miami, Florida and Mississippi State.
The lawsuits were filed in federal courts Wednesday by Chicago-based attorney Jay Edelson. The seven lawsuits increase the total number to 22 filed since May.
Former UK wide receiver DeMoreo Ford, who gave up football in 2008 after suffering multiple concussions, is suing the Southeastern Conference and the NCAA.
His lawsuit seeks to “obtain redress for all persons injured by their reckless disregard for the health and safety of generations of University of Kentucky student-athletes.”
According to the lawsuit, “Ford recalls suffering concussions during both games and practices, after the diagnosis of which he was often told to return to play. For instance, Ford specifically recalls suffering a concussion during a game against Florida in 2007 during the second quarter. During the half time break Ford began vomiting. Despite the concussion and the severity of Ford’s symptoms, he was put back into play after the half time break.”
Ford suffered multiple concussions during the 2008 season.
“The doctors did a CT scan and felt with the numerous (concussions) he’s had that it just didn’t make much sense to take any further chances,” Rich Brooks, who was UK’s coach at the time, said when announcing Ford wouldn’t be able to play football anymore.
The lawsuit says that “Ford now suffers from severe headaches, depression, mood swings, and other debilitating issues.”
Ford ended his UK career with 23 receptions for 292 yards and three touchdowns. His most memorable play came on a 70-yard touchdown reception in the 2006 Music City Bowl that helped turn the tide on Kentucky’s win over Clemson.
Other lawsuits filed Wednesday included one by former Louisville linebacker Willie Johnson and another by former Murray State fullback James Harrison.
In most cases the lawsuits name the NCAA and the conferences in which the schools competed. State laws protect most schools from being sued. The University of Miami, a private school, is named in the lawsuit filed by former defensive back Ryan Hill, who played for the Hurricanes from 2006-2010.
This story was originally published August 31, 2016 at 6:25 PM with the headline "Former Kentucky receiver DeMoreo Ford files concussion lawsuit."