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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
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Student Says Hazing Ended Football Career

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (CN) - A student at Birmingham-Southern College claims in court that that hazing by the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity left him unable to participate as the quarterback on the college football team.

Jonathan Ford enrolled in Birmingham-Southern College in the fall of 2013 and became a pledge in the Phi Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order.

In his complaint filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court on May 18, Ford says while he was cleaning a staircase in the fraternity house, chapter member Robert Weaver sprayed bleach into his eyes, requiring him to seek emergency medical care.

The complaint lists other forms of hazing Ford and his pledge brothers allegedly received, including being required to walk on their elbows and toes across broken glass, being hit and spit on by other members and being forced to drink alcohol.

Additionally, Ford claims pledges were "slapped" in the face with mops and other items and they were hit below the waist by fraternity members.

In the lawsuit, Ford says he was the quarterback on the football team, but his injuries left him unable to throw a football or participate fully in practice.

Ford decided to leave Birmingham-Southern College and he enrolled in a different institution.

Defendants in the lawsuit include member Robert Weaver and president of the fraternity Alexander Campbell Cantrill as well as the Kappa Alpha Order - Phi Chapter and Birmingham-Southern College.

Ford seeks damages for physical injury, mental anguish, medical expenses and pain and suffering.

He is represented by Michael D. Ermert of Birmingham.

In a written statement the fraternity said, "The allegations included in the court filing paint a different picture than our investigation revealed. Kappa Alpha does not tolerate or condone any hazing, and through the legal process KA will respond appropriately as we determine any additional facts."

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