When a student-athlete dreams of playing collegiate athletics, the last thing on their minds should be the potential of facing abuse or mistreatment. Regardless of the sport that a student-athlete plays, they must be cognizant and aware of potential abuse and mistreatment that can come from a variety of places. Both men's and women's athletics have unfortunately seen too many instances of abuse and mistreatment of student-athletes. If you have questions about legal options stemming from abuse or mistreatment, then make sure you speak to an experienced attorney.
What Types of Abuse Can a Student-Athlete Face?
A student-athlete can face various forms of emotional abuse, physical abuse, and even sexual abuse while participating in NCAA athletics. The current landscape has shown us that even when student-athletes report abuse, the reports are sometimes not taken seriously or, worse yet, are swept under the rug in an attempt to avoid bad publicity at the school. It is important to report any abuse to the appropriate authorities.
In many situations, it is advisable to speak to an attorney who is experienced in helping student-athletes so you can fully understand what can be done. Having an attorney on your side will prevent the school from ignoring your claim. If a student-athlete is facing abuse at his or her current school, then there is a transfer waiver that can help them avoid having to sit out a year from competition if they decide to transfer to another school.
Who Can Student-Athlete Abuse Come From?
The most surprising thing about student-athlete abuse and mistreatment is the unlikely places that it can come from. One place where abuse and mistreatment can come from is a coach. NCAA coaches wield a lot of power over their student-athletes. They decide who makes the team, gets scholarships, and who gets playing time. In many cases, these coaches have been at their programs for many years and might even be considered a living legend at the school. The tenure or status of an NCAA coach should never discourage a student-athlete from coming forward if their coach is guilty of abusing or mistreating them in any way.
Student-athlete abuse can also come from medical staff and trainers that treat team members. Doctors and trainers are constantly in close contact with student-athletes to help them deal with injuries and help maintain their physical well-being. This close contact can lead to unwanted advances, contact, or treatment methods if a doctor or trainer acts inappropriately. If you have been subjected to unwanted advances or physical contact from medical staff, then it is important to speak up as it is likely that you are not the only victim of abuse.
Are You a Student-Athlete Who Is a Victim of Abuse?
If you are a student-athlete who is a victim of abuse, then it is important to know that you have options to report this abuse that are not limited to those within your collegiate team or program. Situations of abuse are not “team matters” and should not be kept quiet for your safety and for other student-athletes just like you. If you are facing abuse from a team member or from someone who helps the team, then it is important to report this abuse to the proper authorities. This can include your school's athletic director, as well as the university police, if the conduct meets the criteria for criminal charges. Make sure to speak with an attorney to learn what your best options are if you are a student-athlete who is facing abuse.
What Types of Mistreatment Can a Student-Athlete Face?
A student-athlete can face mistreatment by being treated unfairly due to specific characteristics they possess. Student-athletes can also face mistreatment when they travel to other schools to compete by not being given the same or similar facilities as the home team. If an athlete is mistreated due to their race or sex, then this can form a basis for a civil rights claim. If you or other student-athletes are not being treated equally and fairly when compared to other student-athletes, then it is important to report this mistreatment to the appropriate authorities.
In many situations, it is advisable to speak to an attorney who is experienced in helping student-athletes so you can fully understand what can be done. Having an attorney on your side will prevent the school from ignoring your claim. If a student-athlete is facing mistreatment at his or her current school, then there is a transfer waiver that can help them avoid having to sit out a year from competition if they decide to transfer to another school.
Who Can Student-Athlete Mistreatment Come From?
Student-athletes can face mistreatment from authority figures within their school, such as coaches or trainers, and can also face mistreatment from their student body or from opposing fans at stadiums. NCAA athletes are considered amateurs that are having an educational experience when they participate in collegiate sports. This means that NCAA competitions remain under the control and requirements of the NCAA. While sports stadiums can be loud and energetic, it is important that the fans remain respectful of the student-athletes that are competing.
Are You a Student-Athlete Who Is a Victim of Mistreatment?
If you are a student-athlete who is a victim of mistreatment, then it is important to know that you have options to report this mistreatment that are not limited to those within your collegiate team or program. Situations of mistreatment are not “team matters” and should not be kept quiet for your safety and for other student-athletes just like you. Make sure to speak with an attorney to learn what your best options are if you are a student-athlete who is facing mistreatment.
What Legal Options Do Victims of Abuse and Mistreatment Have?
Student-athletes who are victims of abuse and/or mistreatment may have several claims and legal options. If a student-athlete is discriminated against on the basis of sex or is the victim of a sexual assault or sexual abuse, then the student-athlete can file a Title IX claim as well as a criminal claim. If a student-athlete is being treated unfairly due to their race or other protected class, then they may have a civil rights claim. It is unfortunate that too many student-athletes do not come forward when they are victims of abuse or mistreatment because of the fear of being victimized again. If you are in need of counsel to help you decide what your best option is, then call attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm so we can help!
Why Hiring the Lento Law Firm is the Right Choice
If you are an NCAA student-athlete who has questions related to abuse or mistreatment, then it is important to seek the advice of an experienced attorney. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have helped student-athletes across the country who are facing abuse and mistreatment. Call the us today at 888-535-3686 to learn why hiring the Lento Law Firm is the right choice to help you fight for justice.
