Judge Tosses Claims Against Former Illinois AD, Soccer Coach
In this Sept. 5, 2015 file photo, Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas congratulates players after an NCAA college football game against in Champaign, Ill. Stephen Haas/Associated Press
A judge has dismissed former University of Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas and soccer coach Janet Rayfield as defendants in a former player's lawsuit claiming she was improperly allowed to play after a concussion.
Judge Jeffrey Ford on Wednesday removed Thomas and Rayfield as defendants but allowed Casey Conine's lawsuit to continue. The remaining defendants are trainers Paul Schmidt and Brittany Scott.
According to The News-Gazette, Ford said the suit did not provide a basis for claims against Thomas or Rayfield. Conine claims she suffered a concussion in a 2014 game and was improperly cleared to play two weeks later.
She was medically disqualified from playing in December 2014.
Thomas was fired this November after allegations of player mistreatment in other sports, though administrators say he did nothing wrong.
Links
- U of I Soccer Lawsuit Refocuses Attention On Sports Concussions
- Former Soccer Player Sues U Of I Over Concussions
- Beckman Fired as Illini Football Coach; Cubit Named Interim Coach
- Tribune Report: UI Alumni Critical, Current Players Defend Football Coach
- U of I Athletic Director Mike Thomas Fired
- UI Women’s Basketball Coach ‘Thankful’ For Investigation Results
- U of I Chancellor, AD: No Personnel Changes From Women’s Basketball Lawsuit
- “Not Supported By The Information Available”: Report on U Of I Women’s Basketball Charges
- NPR: Latest On Allegations By Former UI Women’s Basketball Players
- Former UI Women’s Basketball Players’ Lawsuit Alleges ‘Racially Hostile Environment’
- UI Women’s Basketball Program Faces Abuse Allegations