An Oklahoma football player has reportedly initiated a legal action against the University of Washington, citing medical negligence during his time as a player for the Huskies. According to The Seattle Times, Emeka Megwa, currently playing as a running back for the Oklahoma Sooners, is suing the university along with nine current or former members of its sports medicine, coaching, athletic training, and physical therapy staff.
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The lawsuit alleges negligence in the rehabilitation of an ACL injury sustained by Megwa in June 2021, which resulted in its reoccurrence in March 2022. Andrew Ackley, Megwa’s attorney, asserts that the university’s negligence has significantly impeded Megwa’s recovery, setting him back multiple years. Initially, Megwa was expected to recover within nine to twelve months. Filed in King’s County (Washington), the lawsuit contends that after Kalen DeBoer assumed the head coaching position in November 2021, the new coaching staff failed to maintain communication with Megwa regarding his rehabilitation progress. Despite being informed by UW’s sports medicine staff in January 2022 that he was close to being cleared for play, Megwa was allegedly instructed to engage in conditioning and weightlifting. When Megwa reported shin pain later that month, he was provided with new shoes instead of being referred to a doctor. In February, although Megwa experienced knee pain, an on-field evaluation indicated ACL stability, and he was subsequently given pain medication. Megwa’s representatives claim he faced ridicule from teammates for sitting out and was urged to participate in training sessions despite feeling sharp pain in his knee in late February. According to the lawsuit, an MRI on March 7 confirmed a re-tear of Megwa’s ACL, along with additional meniscus tears. He was advised to enter the transfer portal and eventually joined the Oklahoma Sooners. Megwa appeared in two games for OU last season and received ongoing knee treatment, although he only carried the ball once for 6 yards against TCU.
