Former Utah Football Player Sues Over Alleged Discrimination Due to Diabetes

Devin Green, a former football player for the University of Utah, has filed a lawsuit against the university's coaches and administrators, claiming discrimination based on his Type 1 diabetes. Green, who transferred from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) to Utah in the spring of 2025, alleges that he faced significant limitations in his participation in team activities due to his medical condition. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Utah, names several key figures, including Utah running backs coach Mark Atuaia, former head coach Kyle Whittingham, and Athletic Director Mark Harlan, among others.

Salt Lake Tribune

According to the lawsuit, Green was medically cleared to play football but was subjected to restrictions that hindered his ability to participate fully in practices and games. Specifically, he claims that Atuaia limited his practice time, excluded him from certain drills, and prevented him from traveling with the team or dressing for most games. The lawsuit states that Green was often relegated to non-competitive roles, which included observational participation rather than active involvement.

Salt Lake Tribune

The lawsuit details an incident where Green participated in preliminary drills for a team scrimmage but was held out of the game due to Atuaia's concerns about his diabetes. Green asserts that these decisions were not based on his athletic performance but rather on misconceptions surrounding his medical condition. Furthermore, he claims that after the season, he was directed to enter the NCAA transfer portal, with his scholarship subsequently terminated without adequate notice.

Salt Lake Tribune

Green's situation has reportedly led to severe emotional distress, as he has received no interest from other programs since entering the transfer portal. The lawsuit also alleges that Whittingham should have been aware of Atuaia's actions and that Harlan, along with other university officials, failed to protect Green's rights as a student-athlete.

Salt Lake Tribune

In response to the lawsuit, the University of Utah has stated that it is aware of the legal action but will not comment further due to the ongoing litigation. The lawsuit contends that the university did not enforce any policies requiring coaches to adhere to medical clearance decisions when disability-related issues were involved.

Salt Lake Tribune

Devin Green is requesting a jury trial and is seeking unspecified damages for the alleged discrimination he faced during his time with the Utah Utes. The outcome of this case could have implications for how universities manage athletes with medical conditions and the responsibilities of coaching staff in adhering to medical guidelines.

Salt Lake Tribune