Ex-Safety Brian Baucham Sues USC & Lane Kiffin

ESPN is reporting that former USC Trojans cornerback Brian Baucham is suing the school and former coach Lane Kiffin, who is now the Alabama offensive coordinator for allegedly forcing him to play in a game while ill.

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Baucham claims he suffered "cardiopulmonary damage" and "brain injury with neurocognitive deficits" after he played against California at the Coliseum on Sept. 22, 2012. Baucham's lawsuit claims he was ill and dehydrated before the game, but was "forced" to play by Kiffin.

"USC and head coach Kiffin were clearly negligent and acted with conscious disregard for Brian's welfare and safety by forcing him to play ... despite his verified medical history and seriously ill condition," said Bruce M. Brusavich, Baucham's attorney.

Baucham, who had sustained a concussion two months earlier, collapsed on the field in the fourth quarter against Cal. He was taken to a hospital by ambulance and spent several days on a ventilator.

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The lawsuit, which doesn't name an amount of damages Baucham is seeking also claims that USC attempted to revoke his scholarship after his injury.

USC Athletic Director Pat Hayen issued this statement:

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"It wouldn't be appropriate for us to comment on this lawsuit, and due to privacy laws we cannot comment on the specifics of this case," Haden said. "I will say that I am confident that we provide excellent medical treatment to our student athletes and that their health is always our primary concern ahead of any athletic competition."

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Kiffin was fired as head coach at USC in 2013 after going 28-15 in 3½ seasons.