NCAA pays $92M in concussion suit as youth sports face legal pressure

The NCAA has agreed to a $92 million settlement in a class action lawsuit brought by former student athletes who claimed schools failed to protect them from repeated concussions and eventual brain injuries. The agreement was finalized in early July 2025 and the case exposed how teams pressured athletes to play despite symptoms. In many cases medical advice was either ignored or not available. Many players say that same culture still exists today, and that may mean more lawsuits will happen targeting schools and their sports programs in the future.

Earlier this year, a high school in the Bronx faced a lawsuit after a 17-year-old linebacker suffered two concussions within two weeks. He was never seen by a doctor after either incident. The student is now undergoing cognitive therapy, and his family is suing the school district under New York law, which imposes strict rules on public schools and athletic programs. The lawsuit claims school officials failed to follow required concussion protocols.

Experts say cases like that one highlight a national problem. Schools don’t encourage players to report their symptoms, don’t enforce rules around concussions, and encourage a culture of competition instead of caring for injuries. NCAA guidelines are clear on the subject. They require testing and medical clearance before an injured player can come back. However, implementation has been inconsistent.

All of the discussion around concussions is leading to more attention for issues like Second Impact Syndrome. That’s when a second concussion occurs before a first injury has even healed. This happened to Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagavailoa in the 2022 NFL season.

Very scary as Tua Tagavailoa goes down after a sack, looks like it may have been the second concussion in 4 days. Really not good. pic.twitter.com/2u0Leb69O5

— Dr. Lös Real ID (Ali’s Version) (@LosRealAli) September 30, 2022

Doctors also connect chronic headaches, cognitive decline, depression, and even suicidal thoughts to concussions. Young athletes are especially at risk because their brains haven’t completely developed yet and are even more susceptible to permanent damage. For the kids chasing college scholarships or professional dreams, it’s hard to defy the pressure to play despite injuries. However, the consequences of one poorly handled concussion can be life altering.

Legal action is an option, but it comes with challenges. Public schools in New York are protected by sovereign immunity, meaning families must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of injury to keep their right to sue. Private schools are not shielded in the same way, though liability waivers often complicate claims. Families should consult a qualified attorney if they believe negligence occurred.

This summer’s settlement isn’t the first of its kind. Bowling Green State University paid over $700,000 after a freshman football player sustained permanent brain damage. Cases like these are pushing schools to place player safety ahead of wins and rethink their approach to athlete care.