Rebels DT rebuts motion to dismiss Kiffin lawsuit

• Heather Dinich, ESPN

  • Senior WriterNov 21, 2023, 06:28 PM ET Close College football press reporter Signed up with ESPN.com in 2007
  • Graduate of Indiana University

Attorneys on behalf of Ole Miss defensive deal with DeSanto Rollins submitted a memorandum in district court Tuesday asking the court to reject a movement to dismiss a lawsuit Rollins submitted versus coach Lane Kiffin and the university.In mid-September, Rollins said he was started the team for missing practices and meetings throughout a”mental health crisis. “He filed a claim against Kiffin and the university for failure to supply equal security, racial and sexual discrimination, and multiple other allegations.Rollins, a backup lineman whose profession has been spoiled by injuries, is looking for$10 million in compensatory damages and$ 30 million in punitive damages. The claim declares that Kiffin purposefully took adverse action versus Rollins”on account of race for asking for and taking a mental health break, but not taking adverse action versus white student-athletes”for the exact same demand. It declares sexual discrimination on the basis that Ole Miss has not taken”unfavorable action versus female student-athletes for asking for and taking a psychological health break. “The 26-page legal document filed Tuesday rebutted the motion to dismiss point by point.Editor’s Picks 1 Associated”The court must think about the accusations of Rollins’complaint as real,”the memorandum stated.” Practically all of those accusations are

undisputed. Kiffin and the University conflict only one claims– that Kiffin kicked Rollins off the football group. … Nevertheless, Rollins has actually submitted a statement … detailing inconsistent evidence. That evidence should be interpreted in the light most favorable to Rollins. “On March 21, Rollins lawfully taped a meeting with Kiffin without the coach’s understanding, and a copy of the transcript was consisted of in the suit. ESPN got a copy of the audio in September.In it, Kiffin can be heard saying,” you’re off the group. You’re done. See ya. Go. And think what? We can kick you off the team. So go read your f– ing rights about mental health. We can kick you off the team for disappointing up.

“According to the memorandum, Rollins has actually not had the ability to participate in any football activities, including conferences, meals, media occasions, community service events, travel, games, seeing film, receive equipment, practice or participate in Senior

Day.Tuesday’s memorandum stated that “all of Kiffin’s actions and inactiveness were deliberate, deliberate, harmful, grossly irresponsible and taken in careless neglect for the rights and mental health of Rollins. “Kiffin decreased to comment when reached by ESPN, deferring to the university’s initial declaration. A school spokesperson also referred ESPN to the university’s only statement on the matter, which read,”DeSanto was never ever gotten rid of from the football team and remains on scholarship. In addition, he continues to have the opportunity to receive all of the resources and benefits that are managed a student-athlete at the university. “Previously this month, lawyers for Kiffin and Ole Miss submitted a written brief in support of Kiffin that argued that the coach and university “are immune”from a few of Rollins’claims which his “staying accusations fail to mention a claim upon which relief can be given.”