Rock Hill, South Carolina, January 9, 2026
A South Carolina judge has ruled that the NFL will remain a defendant in a brain injury lawsuit filed by the family of former player Phillip Adams. The lawsuit contends that the league’s negligence regarding head injuries contributed to Adams’ mental health decline and a tragedy in 2021 where he shot six people, including family members, before taking his own life. The case raises significant questions about the NFL’s responsibility for player safety and the treatment of brain injuries in sports.
Rock Hill, South Carolina: Judge Allows NFL to Remain in Brain Injury Lawsuit of Former Player
Rock Hill, South Carolina – A South Carolina judge has ruled that the National Football League (NFL) will remain a defendant in a lawsuit filed by the family of former NFL player Phillip Adams, who fatally shot six people in Rock Hill in 2021 before taking his own life. The lawsuit alleges that the NFL’s negligence in addressing head injuries contributed to Adams’ mental health decline and the tragic events that unfolded.
Background of the Case
Phillip Adams, a former cornerback who played for several NFL teams from 2010 to 2015, was diagnosed posthumously with Stage 2 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. In April 2021, Adams killed six people, including Dr. Robert Lesslie, his wife, two grandchildren, and two HVAC technicians, before taking his own life. The autopsy revealed an unusually severe case of CTE in Adams’ brain, particularly affecting the frontal lobes, which are associated with behavior and impulse control.
Legal Proceedings
In April 2023, Alonzo Adams, Phillip’s father, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against South Carolina State University (SCSU), alleging that the university failed to properly treat his son’s head injuries sustained during his college football career from 2006 to 2009. The lawsuit claims that SCSU’s negligence contributed to Adams’ CTE diagnosis and subsequent actions. The university has declined to comment on the pending litigation.
In May 2024, the Adams family sought to amend the lawsuit to include the NFL as a defendant, alleging that the league was also criminally negligent in its handling of head injuries. A federal judge in South Carolina refused to dismiss the brain injury lawsuit against the NFL, allowing the case to proceed. The lawsuit seeks damages for claims that Adams’ son suffered emotional and financial losses due to his father’s death. The court’s decision moves the lawsuit back to state court and seeks restitution from the NFL and SCSU.
Implications and Ongoing Legal Actions
This case highlights the ongoing legal challenges related to brain injuries in football. In October 2025, the NCAA was ordered to pay $18 million to a former college football player and his wife in a concussion lawsuit, underscoring the broader issue of head trauma in the sport. The outcome of the Adams family’s lawsuit against the NFL and SCSU could have significant implications for how institutions and organizations address player safety and head injuries in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current status of the lawsuit filed by Phillip Adams’ family?
A South Carolina judge has ruled that the NFL will remain a defendant in the lawsuit filed by the family of former NFL player Phillip Adams, who fatally shot six people in Rock Hill in 2021 before taking his own life. The lawsuit alleges that the NFL’s negligence in addressing head injuries contributed to Adams’ mental health decline and the tragic events that unfolded.
What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and how is it related to this case?
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. In this case, Phillip Adams was diagnosed posthumously with Stage 2 CTE, which is associated with behavioral and cognitive issues. The lawsuit alleges that the NFL’s negligence in addressing head injuries contributed to Adams’ mental health decline and the tragic events that unfolded.
What are the potential implications of this lawsuit for the NFL and other organizations?
The outcome of the Adams family’s lawsuit against the NFL and South Carolina State University could have significant implications for how institutions and organizations address player safety and head injuries in the future. This case highlights the ongoing legal challenges related to brain injuries in football and may influence policies and practices within the sport.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendants | National Football League (NFL), South Carolina State University (SCSU) |
| Allegations | Negligence in addressing head injuries leading to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and subsequent tragic events |
| Victims | Dr. Robert Lesslie, his wife, two grandchildren, and two HVAC technicians |
| Legal Status | Lawsuit proceeding with NFL remaining as a defendant; SCSU declined to comment on pending litigation |
| Potential Implications | Influence on policies and practices regarding player safety and head injuries in football |
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