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Report: ex-Georgia baseball player suing UGA for dismissal over racial slur incident cited in Justin Fields’ transfer case
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Former Georgia baseball player Adam Sasser is reportedly suing the university after being dismissed by UGA for using a racial slur at a home football game for the Bulldogs in 2018.
The Atlanta-Journal Constitution obtained court documents of a “John Doe” suing the school. The AJC notes that Sasser is easy to identify as the John Doe.
On Sept. 29, 2018, Sasser was attending a home football game when he called for Fields to replace Jake Fromm as the quarterback in the fourth quarter of Georgia’s game against Tennessee. From the AJC:
Eyewitnesses told UGA Sasser was yelling “put the (expletive) in” repeatedly during the fourth quarter, even after spectators around him told him to stop.
The incident was cited in Fields’ paperwork when he was seeking an immediate eligibility waiver after transferring to Ohio State. That request was granted, and the quarterback was allowed to play for the Buckeyes during the 2019 season.
Sasser’s lawyer is arguing that the remarks were not meant to be derogatory and that his client’s rights were violated:
“(Sasser’s) public statement regarding race … was constitutional protected speech protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution,” the lawsuit reads. “(The) intent and context were in a positive manner and in support of a person. When the Plaintiff learned his statement was viewed negatively, he apologized.”
Per the AJC, Sasser also alleges a violation of his constitutional rights under the 14th amendments as well as breach of contract. He seeks undisclosed “compensatory and punitive damages” for loss of income and employment opportunities as a result of UGA’s actions.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB