A mother from Texas has initiated legal proceedings against her son's former football coach, alleging that a grueling workout regimen led to severe medical complications for her child. The lawsuit accuses the coach and his assistants of pushing players to perform an excessive number of push-ups without adequate breaks or hydration, resulting in multiple hospitalizations and diagnoses of rhabdomyolysis, a condition that can be life-threatening.

The incident occurred in January 2023, where nearly 400 push-ups were allegedly mandated within an hour as punishment for lack of effort and uniform violations. At least 26 players showed symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, with one player spending seven days in the hospital. The attorney representing the family emphasized the severity of the condition, which could lead to kidney failure if untreated, underscoring the potential long-term health risks involved.

Potentially Harmful Training Practices Under Scrutiny

The case highlights concerns over extreme physical training methods used by coaches to enforce discipline. According to the lawsuit, the rigorous exercise was intended to penalize players for minor infractions on the field and with their uniforms. This approach resulted in serious health consequences, with at least 26 players developing symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes muscle breakdown and can lead to kidney damage.

The mother’s son was among those affected, spending a week in the hospital due to the intense workout. The attorney stressed that this was not a minor issue but a potentially life-altering injury. He pointed out that such conditions cannot simply be endured; they require immediate medical attention. The lawyer also noted that the coach had previously settled similar cases with other parents whose children suffered from the same workout, indicating a pattern of harmful practices.

School District Investigation Reveals Further Concerns

Beyond the immediate health impact, the lawsuit references a confidential district report that uncovered additional troubling findings. Coaches reportedly discussed students' injuries privately, suggesting that nutritional supplements might be responsible, thereby deflecting blame. Some coaches allegedly undermined the credibility of injured players, while several parents reported that their children faced bullying at school to discourage them from discussing their injuries.

The investigation also revealed that the school athletic director had warned coaches against using physical exercise as a form of punishment, citing the risk of legal issues. Despite this warning, the coaching staff proceeded with the punishing workouts. The lawsuit now includes not only the head coach but also a dozen assistant coaches who were allegedly involved in the workout, although it is believed they may not have fully understood the risks they were imposing on the players. The attorney stated that this situation reflects a failure to ask the right questions and consider existing data on the dangers of such exercises.