University of Washington football player accuses UW of medical malpractice in lawsuit

A former University of Washington football player has filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging medical negligence in his rehabilitation from an ACL injury, which resulted in another ACL injury. Emeka Megwa, who suffered the initial injury in June 2021 at 17 years old, underwent ACL reconstruction a month later. He enrolled at UW specifically for physical therapy and care from their medical team, as per the suit. Despite being assured by UW that they could manage his rehabilitation, issues arose when a new medical staff came on board after former head coach Jimmy Lake was fired and Kalen DeBoer took over.

Dr. Albert Gee, overseeing Megwa’s recovery, predicted a 9-12 month recovery period, aiming for a return to full activities, including football, between April and July 2022. However, Megwa claims he was not medically cleared to return to practice or other physical team activities. Despite his concerns about the rushed rehabilitation, UW staff allegedly pushed him into team activities without clearance.

In January 2022, despite lacking medical clearance, Megwa was instructed by UW coaches to participate in team activities. During a shuffling drill in February, he experienced sharp pain in the incision point on his left knee but was cleared to continue drills. Despite ongoing pain and swelling, he was reportedly advised to take painkillers and continue workouts.