In recent court testimony, former Penn State football team doctor Dr. Pete Seidenberg accused head coach James Franklin of repeatedly trying to meddle in medical decisions involving players, including a case where a player had attempted suicide. This testimony is part of an ongoing lawsuit filed by Dr. Scott Lynch, who claims he was dismissed from Penn State’s athletic program for resisting such interference.
Franklin’s Alleged Medical Interference
Dr. Seidenberg testified that Franklin, alongside then-athletic director Sandy Barbour, pressured him and Dr. Lynch to medically disqualify a player under short-term psychiatric care after a suicide attempt. The player, who allegedly tried to jump out of a window, would have lost his scholarship if medically disqualified as Franklin purportedly wanted.
Other Allegations of Interference
Seidenberg described several instances where Franklin was seen as trying to influence medical decisions. These included urging the medical staff to clear a star player for competition, reducing the number of players listed on the injury report, and pushing for surgeries even when players preferred less invasive treatments.
Defense’s Response
The defense challenged Seidenberg’s testimony, highlighting that it included hearsay and lacked evidence that Franklin’s alleged pressure resulted in changes to medical treatment. They emphasized that all medical decisions remained autonomous and unaffected by external pressures.
Legal and Ethical Implications
This case underscores significant ethical and legal issues in collegiate sports, where performance pressures can conflict with medical priorities. The lawsuit’s outcome could have far-reaching implications for managing medical care in athletic programs nationwide, stressing the need for clear boundaries and protocols to protect player health and well-being.
