We are thrilled to announce a monumental victory in the case of tennis professional Kylie McKenzie against the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Newsome Melton attorneys Amy L. Judkins and Maegan Peek-Luka achieved a groundbreaking jury verdict that highlights the importance of holding organizations accountable for protecting athletes from sexual misconduct.
The lawsuit brought forward by Kylie McKenzie alleged that the USTA had been negligent in failing to safeguard her from sexual assaults. It also accused the USTA of negligence in supervising and retaining the USTA employee and coach responsible for the sexual assault of Kylie McKenzie. These serious allegations shed light on the imperative need for organizations, particularly those governing sports programs, to prioritize the safety and well-being of their athletes.
A prior ruling by the trial court affirmed that the USTA had a duty of care to ensure the protection of athletes within its Player Development program against sexual misconduct by coaches. This critical decision emphasized the USTA’s significant role as the national governing body of tennis, with a responsibility to safeguard individuals participating in its programs.
After a week-long trial, the jury unanimously found that the USTA’s behavior not only warranted compensatory damages but also punitive damages. The jury compensated Kylie McKenzie with $3 million as compensation for her past and future damages resulting from the sexual assaults. The jury’s determination of $6 million in punitive damages serves as both a punishment for the USTA and a deterrent for the USTA and other national governing bodies to prevent the failure to protect athletes from sexual misconduct by coaches. The total verdict of $9 million, comprising both compensatory and punitive damages, reflects the jury’s commitment to holding the USTA accountable for its failures. This verdict sends a powerful message regarding the accountability and responsibility that organizations like the USTA have in ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes under their care.
As we celebrate this significant win, we hope that it serves as a reminder to all organizations to prioritize the safety and well-being of their athletes above all else. Our commitment to advocating for victims of negligence and misconduct remains unwavering, and we stand ready to support individuals in seeking the justice they deserve.