SOUTH BEND, Ind. (CN) - A high school coach used a freshman as a "tackle dummy" and told his teammates to hit him "full force" and "break his legs," the boy's family claims in court.
Keemo Richardson and his mom claim the boy suffered a dislocated shoulder, thanks to the drill.
They sued John Adams High School, the South Bend School Corp., principal Otha Reese, athletic director William Groves and football coach Vince Dedario, in St. Joseph County Court.
Richardson was a member of the John Adams Eagles freshman football team during the 2009-2010 school year. He says coach Dedario called a practice immediately after the Eagles lost a game.
"During the practice, team members were ordered to go 'full force' or they would be removed from the team," the complaint states.
"Richardson was forced to stand still while other players were instructed to 'break his legs' by using him as a 'tackle dummy.'
"As a result, Richardson was injured in his right calf and suffered a dislocated shoulder, requiring medical attention by several different specialists."
Richardson claims he "was unable to later pursue his preferred sport of wrestling due to his injuries."
He seeks damages for assault, battery, negligence, and mental anguish.
He is represented by Jonathan Watson, with Wandling & Associates.
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