A jury on May 29 ruled in favor of Scott Lynch, MD, who alleged he was wrongfully fired from Penn State Athletics, Penn Live reported.
Dr. Lynch was awarded $5.25 million — $5 million in punitive damages and $250,000 in compensatory damages, the report said. The decision came after a seven-day trial.
Dr. Lynch, who was director of athletic medicine for State College, Pa.-based Penn State, sued the school and multiple officials in 2019, alleging they interfered with medical decisions and then retaliated against him after reporting them. He claimed Penn State football head coach James Franklin interfered with the team physicians with regards to treatment and return-to-play decisions.
He also alleged Kevin Black, MD, who was interim dean of Penn State College of Medicine removed him after reporting the interference. But Dr. Black allegedly stated the move was because the school wanted a surgeon who lived in the same city.
Penn State Health is considering appealing the verdict, Penn Live reported May 30.
"We are extremely disappointed to learn of the jury’s decision, as we continue to believe that the claims in the complaint have no merit," Penn State Health said in a statement. "Penn State Health will soon determine whether it will appeal the decision. Penn State Health and the University remain dedicated to the health and well-being of our student-athletes."