Former Soccer Player Sues U Of I Over Concussions

A former University of Illinois soccer player has joined a growing list of the school's athletes who have complained about improper medical treatment and playing conditions.

Casey Conine filed a lawsuit Monday in Champaign County Circuit Court claiming she was cleared to play in October 2014 after suffering a third concussion in two years at Illinois.

The lawsuit names Athletic Director Mike Thomas, soccer coach Janet Rayfield, a trainer and the school's sports medicine administration. She seeks at least $50,000 in damages for what the lawsuit says are "injuries of a severe and permanent nature."

Athletic department spokesman Kent Brown declined comment.

U of I Urbana campus spokesperson Robin Kaler said she could not respond to the lawsuit, because they hadn't yet seen it. But she said "I can tell you that the number one priority of the campus administration and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics is the well-being and health of our students."

Conine's lawsuit follows lawsuit threats and accusations made by a football player and some women's basketball players of improper medical treatment and hostile conditions created by coaches.

(This story was updated on 6/9/15 to include comment from the U of I's Robin Kaler).