ORANGEBURG SC, Wis. – The family of a star South Carolina football player and NFL standout is currently suing the National Football League and its associated LLC.
Phillip Adams, 32, who played for South Carolina State University, killed five people near his York County home in April 2021, including two children and a prominent Charlotte-area doctor, authorities said. He then shot himself.
An autopsy after the shooting revealed that Adams suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a disease caused by frequent concussions that affects many soccer players.
A Boston University research team found that Adams had stage 2 CTE, similar to that seen in former New England Patriots forward Aaron Hernandez, who committed suicide in prison after being convicted of murder. He said he had sustained severe injuries.
“Adams had an unusual amount of CTE lesions in the frontal lobe, the area of the brain behind the forehead. Damage to the frontal lobe can lead to violent, impulsive, or explosive behavior, a 'short fuse,' “It's associated with a lack of self-control,” said Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center.
Adams' family said in a statement after his diagnosis that they were not surprised he had the disease but were shocked to learn how serious his condition was.
“A review of his medical records from his time as a football player revealed that he was desperately seeking help from the NFL, but that seemingly simple issues such as poor memory and traveling hours to see a doctor were discovered.” “We have found that all claims have been denied due to our inability to handle the work,” and are undergoing an extensive evaluation,” their statement said.
Adams' family sued South Carolina State University in March 2023, alleging the university was negligent and demanding a jury trial. The original complaint alleges that South Carolina State University did not have adequate policies and procedures in place to ensure Adams' safety.
South Carolina State University responds to lawsuit brought by football player who killed five people and his family
The lawsuit also alleges the university failed to adequately educate athletes about the neurological damage that can occur in athletes who frequently sustain head injuries.
The lawyers' complaint was amended on Monday to include the National Football League and its partner NFL Properties LLC.
Adams had a short NFL career, playing for several different teams.
He played for the San Francisco 49ers in 2010, the New England Patriots in 2011, the Seattle Seahawks in 2011, the Oakland Raiders in 2012-2013, the Seattle Seahawks in 2014, and the New York Jets in 2014. , played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2015. The outline of the lawsuit is as follows.
Monday's filing said the NFL failed to exercise “the degree of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise under the same or similar circumstances.”
Adams' family is seeking damages.
The NFL has not yet formally responded to the complaint. WIS News 10 has reached out to the NFL for comment and is awaiting a response.
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