NCAA Sexual Assault Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

NCAA Sexual Assault Lawsuit Overview

The NCAA Sexual Assault lawsuits allege that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and its Board of Governors failed to protect student-athletes from sexual abuse and harassment by coaches, fostering an environment that enabled predatory behavior. The primary allegations focus on the NCAA’s negligence in not establishing enforceable rules to prohibit sexual contact between coaches and student-athletes, despite the U.S. Olympic Committee’s (USOC) 1992 recognition that such relationships are inherently exploitative.

A prominent case involves former track and cross-country coach John Rembao, accused of sexually abusing and harassing three female student-athletes—Erin Aldrich, Jessica Johnson, and Londa Bevins—at the University of Arizona (1993–1997) and University of Texas-Austin (1997–2001). Filed in March 2020 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the class-action lawsuit sought to represent all NCAA student-athletes since 1992, alleging the NCAA’s lack of sanctions and reporting mechanisms allowed coaches like Rembao to move between member schools unchecked.

Latest NCAA Sexual Assault Lawsuit Updates

March 16, 2025 – According to Lieff Cabraser, the NCAA is facing legal claims for failing to protect college athletes from sexual assault by coaches, trainers, and others in positions of power [1].

April 19, 2024 – As ESPN reports, Title IX rules are tightening around athlete misconduct, and failure to comply with these guidelines may leave schools and the NCAA legally vulnerable.

February 10, 2022 – ICS Law points out that while the NCAA implemented stricter sexual violence reporting policies in 2021, many institutions failed to meet the standards—opening the door for legal accountability.

November 3, 2021 – As reported by Fortune, the NCAA faces mounting criticism and legal action after numerous athletes have come forward alleging abuse and institutional negligence.

Reports and Statistics

A 2021 survey by Lauren’s Kids found that 26% of current and former student-athletes reported inappropriate sexual contact by a campus authority figure (e.g., coach), with 83% aware of another student experiencing such conduct. Estimates suggest 20–25% of female college students, including athletes, experience some form of sexual violence, but no study specifically confirms 55% of athletes face sexual coercion or assault. Between 2015 and 2020, no comprehensive data confirms over 300 coaches across collegiate sports were accused of sexual misconduct, though high-profile cases like John Rembao (University of Arizona/Texas) and Larry Nassar (Michigan State) involved coaches and staff. Title IX complaint data from 32 Power 5 schools (2012–2018) showed a 6.3% athlete involvement rate in sexual misconduct reports, with no clear evidence of a 32% increase in complaints between 2017 and 2022 across all NCAA programs. Economic impact estimates for sexual assault in collegiate settings are not well-documented, and no study confirms $3.5 billion annually in healthcare costs and productivity losses specifically tied to NCAA contexts. Lawsuits, such as a 2020 class-action against the NCAA, allege negligence in preventing coach-athlete abuse, citing cases like Rembao’s alleged grooming and assaults, but FDA data is irrelevant to these claims [2].

NCAA Sexual Assault Injuries & Side Effects

Victims of sexual assault in NCAA programs often experience severe and lasting psychological and physical trauma.

• Psychological Trauma: PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal ideation
• Academic Impact: Declining performance, abandonment of athletic scholarships, and dropping out
• Physical Injuries: Various physical injuries related to assaults and self-harm behaviors
• Long-term Effects: Relationship difficulties, substance abuse disorders, and chronic health conditions

Do You Qualify for a NCAA Sexual Assault Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a NCAA Sexual Assault lawsuit if:

• You were a student-athlete in an NCAA program
• You experienced sexual abuse, harassment, or assault by an NCAA coach, staff member, or athlete
• The institution failed to take appropriate action after being notified of the abuse
• You can provide documentation of the abuse or institutional negligence
• You are within the applicable statute of limitations for your state

Evidence Required for a NCAA Sexual Assault Lawsuit

To build a strong case, the following evidence is typically needed:

• Medical records documenting physical or psychological treatment related to the assault
• Communications with university officials regarding the incidents
• Witness statements from teammates or others with knowledge of the abuse
• Documentation of university policies and procedures in place at the time
• Evidence showing the institution’s failure to follow proper protocols or investigate claims

Damages You Can Recover

Victims filing NCAA Sexual Assault lawsuits may recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses including therapy and psychiatric treatment
• Lost educational opportunities and athletic scholarships
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering related to emotional trauma
• Punitive damages against institutions that knowingly concealed abuse

NCAA Sexual Assault Recall Information

While there are no physical product recalls related to NCAA Sexual Assault cases, there have been significant policy changes and removals of coaches and staff:

• John Rembao was removed from coaching positions following allegations
• Multiple NCAA coaches have been terminated and banned from collegiate athletics after abuse investigations
• The NCAA has implemented new policies regarding coach-student relationships in response to lawsuits

Statute of Limitations for NCAA Sexual Assault Lawsuits

Statute of limitations for NCAA Sexual Assault lawsuits varies by state:

• California: Generally 2 years from the date of injury, with special provisions for childhood abuse
• Texas: 5 years for sexual assault cases
• Indiana: 2 years for personal injury claims
• Many states have implemented “discovery rules” and “lookback windows” for sexual abuse cases, potentially extending the filing period

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FAQs

1. Can I file a lawsuit if I was sexually assaulted by an NCAA athlete?

Yes, if you were sexually assaulted by an NCAA athlete and believe the NCAA or the university failed to take appropriate action or prevent the assault, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.

2. What evidence is needed to support a lawsuit against the NCAA for sexual assault?

Evidence needed to support a lawsuit may include documentation of the assault (such as medical records or police reports), communications with the university or NCAA officials, witness statements, and any records showing the institution’s failure to act or protect the victim.

3. What compensation can I seek in an NCAA Sexual Assault lawsuit?

Compensation in an NCAA Sexual Assault lawsuit may include damages for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages if gross negligence or a cover-up is proven.

4. Who can I sue in an NCAA Sexual Assault case?

Potential defendants in NCAA Sexual Assault lawsuits may include the individual perpetrator, the university or college, the NCAA governing body, athletic departments, and any administrators who failed to take appropriate action.

5. How long does an NCAA Sexual Assault lawsuit typically take?

NCAA Sexual Assault lawsuits can take anywhere from 1-5 years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case, the number of plaintiffs, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial.

6. Can I remain anonymous when filing an NCAA Sexual Assault lawsuit?

In many jurisdictions, sexual assault victims can file lawsuits under pseudonyms (Jane/John Doe) to protect their privacy while pursuing justice.

7. Are class action lawsuits common for NCAA Sexual Assault cases?

Class action lawsuits are becoming more common in NCAA Sexual Assault cases, particularly when multiple victims allege similar patterns of abuse or institutional failures by the same perpetrator or institution.

8. What if the abuse happened years ago?

Many states have extended or modified their statutes of limitations for sexual abuse cases. Even if the abuse happened years ago, you may still have legal options due to these changes in the law.

9. Will I have to testify in court?

While many NCAA Sexual Assault cases settle before trial, if your case does go to court, you may need to testify. However, your attorneys will thoroughly prepare you and can request certain accommodations to minimize trauma.

10. What reforms have resulted from NCAA Sexual Assault lawsuits?

NCAA Sexual Assault lawsuits have prompted improved reporting mechanisms, mandatory sexual harassment training, stricter background checks for coaches, and new policies regarding coach-student relationships.

See all related sexual abuse lawsuits our team has covered.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action in NCAA Sexual Assault cases. Most states restrict the window for filing claims to between 2-5 years from the date of injury, though special provisions may apply in sexual abuse cases.

Our firm offers:

• Free, confidential consultations with experienced sexual abuse attorneys
• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• Payment only if we win your case or secure a settlement
• Nationwide representation with expertise in NCAA institutional negligence cases

Don’t delay in seeking the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our team today.

Do I Have an NCAA Sexual Assault Lawsuit?

The Sexual Abuse Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in NCAA Sexual Assault Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual abuse, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.

See all related sexual abuse lawsuits our team has covered.

References:

[1] https://www.lieffcabraser.com/survivors/ncaa/ 

[2] https://fortune.com/2021/11/03/ncaa-sexual-abuse-student-athletes/