Sep 28, 2016

Former Athlete Sues Cal

Madison Stockton, formerly a member of the University of California women’s crew team, has sued the school and three coaches. She alleges that strength coach Justin Thompson did not have the credentials or experience to supervise a training session, which led her to suffer a back injury on September 25, 2014.

According to The Daily Californian, Stockton’s suit charges the defendants with breach of contract, negligent hiring, and fraud. 

In the lawsuit, Stockton alleges that Thompson lacked “proper credentials, experience, and training to competently and safely coach weightlifting” and failed to provide supervision of or education regarding the exercises he assigned.

Thompson is no longer employed by the University of California, and his LinkedIn page indicates he is pursuing an MBA. He lists two certifications: CSCS and Sports Performance Coach Certified Level I by USA Weightlifting.

Elinor Leary, Stockton’s attorney, said Stockton was cut from the team in November 2014, and as a result, lost access to student-athlete medical services while she was still being treated.

“She underwent surgery last fall,” Leary said in an email. “To this day, she’s still working to get back to her former self.”