Bowling Green University will pay a former football player $712,000 to settle a lawsuit that claimed coaches and medical staff didn’t properly address his concussions.
Former offensive lineman Cody Silk accused university staff of failing to remove him from practices after suffering concussions. ESPN reports that on separate days in the fall of 2010, Silk claimed to have severe head pain and difficulty remembering his name and where he parked his car. He also reported feeling confused and wobbly during practices, but was never given proper treatment for his symptoms.
After evaluating Silk, Dr. Robert Cantu, who studies head injuries at Boston University Medical School, said in a deposition that Silk likely suffered permanent post-concussion syndrome. According to the lawsuit, Silk continues to suffer from symptoms such as depression, headaches, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.
However, Dr. Michael Collins, a physician brought in by the state who directs the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Sports Medicine Concussion Program, found that Silk had exaggerated his symptoms, and did poorly on cognitive tests on purpose.
Bowling Green did not admit that it’s actions caused injury to the former player, but agreed to settle the suit to avoid the risks of a trial. Silk agreed not to seek further legal remedies against the school.
The university said that Silk had signed a liability release, and that he assumed the risks associated with playing football.
After being removed from the team in 2010, Silk dropped out of school and lost his scholarship.
