Former Penn State doctor who alleged interference from James Franklin awarded $5.25 million in lawsuit

Pennsylvania-based Dauphin County Court awarded Dr. Scott Lynch, a former orthopedic consultant and director of medicine for Penn State athletics, $5.25 million in punitive and compensatory damages stemming from a civil lawsuit against Penn State Health. Central to Lynch’s testimony was a fractious relationship with football coach James Franklin. 

Lynch, who alleged that his termination followed a refusal to “allow a coach to interfere with his medical treatment and return to play decisions,” was one of two doctors to speak out against Franklin and his attempts to interfere with team medical experts. Dr. Pete Seidenberg, the primary care doctor for Penn State’s football team in 2014, claimed during the wrongful termination trial against the school that he was pushed by Franklin and then-athletic director Sandy Barbour to medically disqualify a player who attempted suicide in order to free up a scholarship.

Lynch’s testimony, which includes emails that he sent to Franklin expressing both his disapproval of the attempted interference and a desire to reconcile, shed more light on Franklin’s role in the process. Lynch even so far as to report Franklin’s interference to Penn State athletics and Penn State Health under Dr. Kevin Black, per PennLive.com.

“Punishment” for missing treatment 

According to PennLive, a rash of players failed to show up for scheduled medical treatments in 2018. The problem became so severe that Franklin ruled players who didn’t show up for their appointments to be treated as full-go at practices. 

Lynch sent an email to Franklin that railed against what he called “punishment” and instead suggested that players could clean the team’s locker rooms. 

“Just because they don’t show up for treatment doesn’t mean…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/former-penn-state-doctor-who-alleged-interference-from-james-franklin-awarded-5-25-million-in-lawsuit/

Author : Will Backus

Publish date : 2024-05-30 15:56:25

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