Ole Miss defensive tackle DeSanto Rollins filed a lawsuit against the university and Rebels coach Lane Kiffin.
The suit accuses Kiffin and the school of racial and sexual discrimination and failure to provide equal protection, according to multiple reports.
The lawsuit alleges Kiffin took adverse action against Rollins “on account of race for requesting and taking a mental health break” and showed special treatment toward white athletes, ESPN reports.
Rollins said Kiffin kicked him off the team in March, and levies the following allegations:
- Racial discrimination on the part of Kiffin and Ole Miss
- Discrimination on the basis of disability – or perceived disability – on the part of Kiffin and Ole Miss
- Sexual discrimination on the part of Ole Miss
- Intentional affliction of emotional distress on the part of Kiffin
- Negligence and gross negligence on the part of Kiffin and Ole Miss
The lawsuit further alleges that the university lacked “written institutional procedures for routine mental health referrals” and treated female athletes’ requests for mental health assistance differently. The suit claims that Rollins was unable to play or practice without “excruciating pain” but that coaches told him to “work through the pain” and required him to practice for at least another three days.
The lawsuit claims that Kiffin told Rollins he would be moving him to the offensive line, and when Rollins asked if he had a choice in the matter, Kiffin began to “yell and scream” and encouraged Rollins to quit the team.
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Kiffin allegedly told Rollins he was “off the team” and said “see ya” after addressing what Rollins considered, per the lawsuit, to be a “mental health crisis” stemming from a series of injuries and an alleged demotion to the scout team.
In a statement released Thursday night, Ole Miss said it never received a lawsuit, and that Rollins was never removed from the team.
Rollins is still listed on the football team’s online roster.
As for the team, the Ole Miss Rebels are currently 2-0 and ranked 17th in the entire country.
