Judge rules UCF athletics not eligible for cap on any damages in lawsuit over player’s death

No damages cap in lawsuit over UCF player’s death

ORLANDO, Fla. — A judge has ruled the University of Central Florida Athletic Association is not a state agency eligible for a cap on settlement money in a lawsuit filed by the parents of a football player who died following an offseason conditioning workout.

Circuit Judge Robert M. Evans’ ruling Friday means there would be no limit on any money paid in the lawsuit brought by Ereck Plancher’s parents. Florida law requires state agencies pay no more than $200,000 in judgments without the Legislature’s approval.

UCF’s athletic association is expected to appeal.

The 2008 workout was supervised by UCF coach George O’Leary and his staff. UCF officials have called Plancher’s death a tragedy and said staff did everything they could to save him.