A former Penn State football player has reportedly filed a civil suit against the university, head coach James Franklin and members of the athletic department due to medical issues he believes weren’t handled properly.
According to WJAC-TV, Ellison Jordan filed the medical liability suit in Centre County, claiming that Penn State was negligent in providing his medical care. Jordan, a defensive lineman who entered the NCAA Transfer Portal in January, wasn’t officially on the team in 2019 – his redshirt junior season – due to a series of injuries that have plagued him.
“Ellison Jordan is no longer a member of the Penn State football team,” a university spokesperson told 247Sports in August. “He remains a student at Penn State with access to the resources and support provided for all Penn State students. He also retains access to Morgan Academic Center support services, and continued injury care as needed.”
Jordan is acting as his own attorney, according to WJAC. The suit says that Jordan’s right knee became an issue after a high school injury in November 2015. A four-star recruit out of Maryland, Jordan redshirted in 2016 after Penn State doctors decided he needed knee surgery. Jordan went on to have follow-up knee surgeries and appeared in 10 total games over the course of 2017 and 2018.
Moving to a new school as a graduate transfer would allow Jordan to be eligible for the 2020 season.
Jordan isn’t the only former Penn State football player with an active lawsuit. Isaiah Humphries filed a suit against Penn State, Franklin and defensive tackle Damion Barber on Jan. 14, alleging violent, sexual hazing within the program.
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