Denver Broncos linebacker Aaron Patrick is suing the NFL, ESPN and the Los Angeles Chargers over his season-ending ACL tear. Patrick cites negligence that allegedly resulted in the injury.
The injury took place on October 17 in a game between the Broncos and Charges at SoFi Stadium, as Patrick’s momentum carried him out of bounds and into a sideline worker. He also stepped on a rubber mat, which his lawsuit blamed as part of the reason for his injury, as his cleats were caught in the mat. He was then diagnosed with an ACL tear in his left knee. The list of defendants includes SoFi Stadium, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and the Roe mat company.
Aaron Patrick’s agent, Lamont Smith, said via text: “I was very disturbed about the way the injury occurred with the carpet being on the sideline like that. His cleat got lodged in the carpet trying to avoid the media person.” https://t.co/PnR8tEEs8z
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 18, 2022
Patrick is seeking compensation for lost salary and bonus opportunities he possibly missed out on, along with significant pain and emotional distress.
Aaron Patrick's agent Lamont Smith, who hired attorneys to file the suit: "We felt it was our obligation to protect our player, just as I always have throughout my career. He sustained an injury that was not his fault and he suffered a loss. It's our job to protect him." #9sports https://t.co/YnKgYco8Wp
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) November 15, 2022
Patrick will lose out on a $370,000 base salary and $200,000 to $400,000 in potential bonuses. Patrick is in his second season and was originally an undrafted free agent.
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