Two clients of Toscano Law Group who were college football players settled legal claims against Norfolk State University. Attorney and law firm founder Diane Toscano represented the plaintiffs in a federal civil suit.
"[The] players, who joined the team in 2021, claimed they were repeatedly hazed and sexually assaulted by upperclassmen on the football team, and that complaints about the behavior were ignored by coaches and staff," according to news coverage.
Said Toscano, "Unfortunately, it took us filing a lawsuit in federal court in order to get a resolution. But we were humbled to represent these two courageous young men in their pursuit of justice against Norfolk State University for behavior they endured as college football players. Thankfully, our clients are resilient young men, and we are very hopeful about their future."
The accusations garnered widespread attention. You can WATCH the press conference from May 2022 announcing the lawsuit.
Toscano Law Group also recently represented a football player at Virginia State University in a harrassment claim.
To raise awareness of the larger problem of sexual assault and hazing in American football, Toscano also announced the founding of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called “Goal-Line Stand Together.”
“I believe we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sexual assault and hazing in U.S. football,” said Toscano. National data reports the propensity for football players to commit sexual assault, but data and understanding is lacking when it comes to sexual assault and harassment experienced by football players at the hands of their teammates. And with this new organization, I wanted to create a platform to begin a national dialogue about a taboo subject which is critical to the health of our nation’s boys and young men.”
News coverage of the settlement:
Football Players Settle Sexual Assault Claims With Norfolk State, Bloomberg Law
NSU reaches settlement in football hazing, sexual assault lawsuit, WTKR
NSU announces settlement reached in football hazing lawsuit, WVEC
NSU settles lawsuit alleging hazing, sexual assault by football players, The Virginian-Pilot
Contact Toscano Law Group today for a consulation to speak with one of our attorneys.
