Zack Langston's Family Sues NCAA over Handling of Concussions
Jun 5, 2017
Wilson footballs are lined up on the field before an NCAA college football game between Auburn and Texas A&M Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The family of Zack Langston, the former Pittsburg State University football player who fatally shot himself in 2014, is reportedly suing the NCAA for its handling of concussions.
The Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com) reported the news Monday and noted the federal lawsuit was filed Friday. In addition to "questioning the governing body's handling of concussions, including more than 100 they say factored into Zack Langston's death," the suit accuses the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association of negligence.
Langston was 26 years old when he died.
The AP report cites the lawsuit allegations saying Langston suffered through behavioral issues and mood swings after he finished playing football. It also points out a private examination of Langston's brain revealed chronic traumatic encephalopathy, commonly known as CTE.
According to Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star, the lawsuit alleges the NCAA knew about the dangers of concussions and head-related injuries for decades, but "recklessly disregarded this information to protect the very profitable business of 'amateur' college football."
This comes after the AP reported in October the NCAA is facing 43 class-action lawsuits surrounding its handling of concussions.
Langston's family is seeking unspecified damages in the suit.
