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NCAA Found Negligent, Ordered to Pay $18 Million for Concussion Risks

10/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A South Carolina jury awarded $18 million to former college football player Robert Geathers and his wife, finding the NCAA negligent in warning concussion risks.
Geathers played South Carolina State University 1977–1980 and was diagnosed with dementia in 2017.
Geathers' attorneys argued the NCAA knew concussion dangers since the 1930s but did not inform players or coaches.
The NCAA plans to appeal, contending Geathers’ health issues stem from conditions other than football.

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Story summary

A South Carolina jury awarded $18 million to former college football player Robert Geathers and his wife, finding the NCAA negligent in warning concussion risks.
Geathers played South Carolina State University 1977–1980 and was diagnosed with dementia in 2017.
Geathers' attorneys argued the NCAA knew concussion dangers since the 1930s but did not inform players or coaches.
The NCAA plans to appeal, contending Geathers’ health issues stem from conditions other than football.