Ole Miss Football player sues Lane Kiffin for $40 million using teammate's dead father as leverage

Ole Miss football player DeSanto Rollins sues Lane Kiffin for mistreatment over mental health, seeking $40 million in damages. Leverage includes teammate's father's death.

Ole Miss defensive lineman DeSanto Rollins has filed a lawsuit against head coach Lane Kiffin and the university, seeking $40 million in damages for alleged mistreatment over his mental health. This recent development is significant, but unfortunate for all parties involved.

Rollins is using the death of his teammate's father as evidence of mistreatment in his lawsuit. He claims that Kiffin "ignored" signs of depression and subjected him to "grossly reckless, and indifferent" treatment based on race. However, the legal team representing Ole Miss and Kiffin argues that Rollins has not provided evidence that Kiffin treated him differently than other individuals in similar situations, let alone with discriminatory intent because of his race or sex.

The lawsuit, filed in September, alleges that Rollins was kicked off the team after missing team activities, including practice, during a "mental health crisis." However, the Rebels push back on this claim, stating that Rollins is still on scholarship with the university.

Rollins took a break from the program while suffering from depression due to a series of injuries and the death of his grandmother. His mental health is a crucial aspect of this case. However, when Kiffin asked to meet with Rollins about a path forward, the latter repeatedly said that he was not ready, leading to a lack of communication between the two.

Kiffin and Rollins eventually met in the head coach's office, during which Rollins recorded the conversation without Kiffin's knowledge. The audio later leaked, providing further context to the lawsuit. Ole Miss has requested the lawsuit to be dismissed, but Magistrate Judge Roy Percy issued a stay one day after the request.

Rollins is determined to continue pursuing his case. His lawyer responded to the motion to dismiss his case, alleging that all of Kiffin's actions and inactions were intentional, deliberate, malicious, grossly negligent, and taken in reckless disregard for Rollins' rights and mental health. They also provided "evidence" of the alleged mistreatment.

Rollins pointed to an unnamed kicker who remained on the Ole Miss roster after a positive drug test, as well as to a teammate who was allowed to take time off to grieve the loss of his father. Rollins claims that these instances are examples of mistreatment, and he is using them as leverage in his lawsuit.

Ultimately, this legal battle is ongoing, with both parties presenting their arguments and evidence. The outcome remains to be seen, but it is clear that the case is complex and has far-reaching implications for all involved.

Share With Others