Former Trojan sues USC, Kiffin, says he was forced to play
Former USC cornerback Brian Baucham has sued the school and Lane Kiffin, arguing they forced him to play at risk to his health in a 2012 game vs. Cal.
By
Jerry Hinnen
•
1 min read
Per the Associated Press, Baucham's suit argues he suffered "cardiopulmonary damage" and "brain injury with neurocognitive deficits" as a result of playing in the game. Baucham collapsed during the fourth quarter, was taken to the hospital with a breathing issue, and spent the following Sunday on a ventilator in intensive care.
"USC and head coach Kiffin were clearly negligent and acted with conscious disregard for Brian's welfare and safety by forcing him to play ... despite his verified medical history and seriously ill condition," Bruce M. Brusavich, Baucham's attorney, told the AP.
According to the suit, Baucham had suffered a concussion two months prior to the Sept. 22, 2012 game; it also states that he was ill and dehydrated before kickoff. The suit claims Baucham developed bleeding in the brain during the game and that the then-fifth-year-senior has no memory of the second half.
Baucham did not play for the Trojans again.
"It wouldn't be appropriate for us to comment on this lawsuit, and due to privacy laws we cannot comment on the specifics of this case," USC athletic director Pat Haden said in a statement Monday. "I will say that I am confident that we provide excellent medical treatment to our student athletes and that their health is always our primary concern ahead of any athletic competition."
The suit was filed Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Damages sought by Baucham and his attorney are not specified.
Kiffin was fired as Trojan head coach in the middle of the 2013 season but has enjoyed some early success at the start of his current role as Alabama's offensive coordinator.
