Shockwaves Through College Football: Ole Miss Player Sues School, Lane Kiffin for $40 Million
In a developing story that has captured national attention, DeSanto Rollins, a defensive lineman for the Ole Miss Rebels, has initiated a lawsuit against his head coach Lane Kiffin and the University of Mississippi. The lawsuit alleges multiple counts, including racial discrimination, discrimination based on disability, and gross negligence, among other claims.
University Responds with Contradictory Statement
In a public statement released Thursday night, Ole Miss contends that it hasn't yet received any lawsuit and adds that Rollins was never expelled from the team—this detail forms a central part of Rollins' case. As per Ole Miss, Rollins "remains on scholarship" and continues to have access to "all of the resources and advantages" that any student-athlete at the university is entitled to.
Monetary Compensation and Reinstatement Sought
Rollins is reportedly seeking hefty compensation for his grievances, to the tune of "$10 million in compensatory damages from Kiffin and Ole Miss, and $30 million in punitive damages from Kiffin." Additionally, he is asking for a temporary restraining order and an injunction to reinstate him to his former position on the team.
Timeline of Events Draws Scrutiny
Rollins' mother had previously requested Ole Miss trainer Pat Jernigan to find a mental health counselor for her son. Rollins was scheduled to meet with Josie Nicholson, the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Psychology, on February 28. A subsequent request for a meeting was made by Ole Miss defensive line coach Randall Joyner on behalf of Kiffin for March 1.
According to Rollins, he met with Nicholson again on March 7 and communicated that he was "not in a good place" to meet with Kiffin. Despite this, a meeting between Rollins and Kiffin took place on March 21. During this confrontation, Rollins alleges that Kiffin told him:
"See ya. Go, go, and guess what, we can kick you off the team, so go read your f****** rights about mental health. We can kick you off the team, for not showing up, when the head coach asks to meet with you and you don't show up for weeks. OK, we can remove you from the team."
Mental Health Concerns Take Center Stage
It's noteworthy that Rollins did not receive a mental health evaluation after a concussion he sustained during the 2022 Grove Bowl. According to him, his mental well-being further deteriorated following other injuries. Rollins describes experiencing a variety of symptoms, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and difficulty sleeping.
A Stark Contrast to Ole Miss’ Mental Health First Aid Certification
What makes this story particularly riveting is that the Ole Miss coaching staff boasts certification in Mental Health First Aid. This case thus casts a shadow on the university's earlier claims of being the first program in the nation to achieve this certification.
Additionally, Rollins asserts that Kiffin has never dismissed a white player from the team for taking a mental health break. He also alleges that female athletes in volleyball and white softball players have been permitted to take breaks for mental health reasons, further highlighting potential inconsistencies in the program's approach to athlete well-being.
This story is unfolding, and it will be intriguing to see how the legal proceedings play out, especially in light of the sensitive issues it brings to the forefront.