Doug Brenner is looking to get paid what he believes is owed to him over things he endured during the 2017 season.
The former college football offensive lineman is suing the University of Oregon, ex-Ducks head coach Willie Taggart and the NCAA for $100 million in damages for a “series of controversial workouts.”
The workouts were grueling, according to the lawsuit document.
“The lawsuit contends that over several days, ‘student athletes vomited, passed out, or collapsed during the workouts,’” writes ESPN’s Heather Dinich. “It says that Oregon’s medical staff ‘acknowledged that the workout went beyond the student athletes’ natural limits after the first day, but rather than stop the workouts, university staff brought in oxygen tanks on the second day.’”
Brenner was one of three players hospitalized following offseason workouts shortly after Taggart was hired at Oregon. Brenner said he suffered from rhabdomyolysis as a result of the workouts, a condition that breaks down skeletal muscle tissue. According to the lawsuit, it has caused permanent damage to his kidneys, and his “life expectancy has been reduced by about 10 years,” per Dinich.
Oregon disputed the claims in a statement to ESPN:
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“The health and safety of our students is our highest priority. There was a quick response to Doug Brenner’s injury, and he was provided the best care possible. We are grateful that he made a full recovery and was able to play during the 2017 season and also graduate from the University of Oregon. We disagree with the claims made by Mr. Brenner’s attorneys in their lawsuit and will address those in court.”
The trial is set to begin Tuesday in Eugene, Oregon.
