Former MLS player files $100 million lawsuit over bullying at the club
A former Real Salt Lake goalkeeper has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the club, MLS, and the U.S. Soccer Federation, alleging systematic bullying, psychological pressure, and injuries that ruined his career. According to him, the situation on the team drove him to attempt suicide.
The story of young American soccer player Jeffrey Duesnap, who entered professional sports as a teenager, has turned into a high-profile legal scandal in the U.S., where he is now trying to prove in court that instead of developing his career, he was subjected to systematic bullying, psychological pressure, and consequences that, in his words, effectively ruined his life.
Dusnap signed a contract with Real Salt Lake in 2021 when he was just 16 years old, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history; however, as noted in the lawsuit, instead of a safe environment for a young athlete, he faced conditions he describes as constant physical and emotional abuse, which occurred amid a silent response from management.
The case file alleges that the minor player was forced to share a locker room and showers with adult soccer players, and that older teammates regularly engaged in offensive and humiliating behavior, including comments about his body and physical humiliation while changing, when, according to the plaintiff, balls were thrown at him.
Separately, the lawsuit addresses the actions of goalkeeper coach Ignacio Hernandez, who, according to Duesnap, forced him to train despite a shoulder injury, failing to acknowledge the severity of the injury, which ultimately led to problems with his shoulder, his hip, and his foot, which were treated improperly and only worsened his condition.
According to the soccer player, his father repeatedly contacted the club with complaints but received no response, and the situation continued to worsen, ultimately leading to a critical psychological state, a suicide attempt in April 2022, and hospitalization, after which he effectively ended his career at age 18, suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder.
The amount of the lawsuit is $100 million, of which $20 million, as noted, he is seeking for medical treatment and psychotherapy, and $80 million as compensation for a ruined career that could have developed differently, as European clubs, including Fulham and PSV, had previously shown interest in him.
Real Salt Lake denies all allegations and states that it takes player safety seriously, emphasizing that it will defend its position in court, while MLS, in turn, has stated that it is reviewing the case and examining all the circumstances, emphasizing that player safety is a priority for the league. This was reported by Goal.
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