• Loading stock data...
Monday, February 17, 2025

Federal Appeals Court Sides With Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss in Discrimination Suit

  • The suit was originally dismissed in February.
  • DeSanto Rollins had sought $40 million in damages from his coach and school.
Brett Patzke-USA TODAY Sports

The former Ole Miss football player who secretly recorded a fiery conversation with Rebels head football coach Lane Kiffin had his bid to revive his lawsuit against Kiffin and the school denied by a federal appeals court. 

DeSanto Rollins appealed to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals after U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills dismissed the civil case in February, saying that while Kiffin’s treatment of Rollins was “offensive and imprudent,” it did not amount to illegal discrimination.

In a decision Thursday, a three-judge panel stated it found “no error in the district court’s determination that Rollins has failed to carry his burden” to overturn the case’s dismissal. 

Rollins included a transcript of his contentious March 2023 meeting with Kiffin in his original complaint filed last September, audio of which was later obtained by Front Office Sports. Rollins sought $40 million in damages over allegations Kiffin “ignored” indications Rollins had depression and his treatment toward Rollins was “grossly reckless and indifferent.”

Rollins alleged in the lawsuit that an assistant coach urged him to transfer in late 2022. Rollins, who dealt with injuries, chose to remain at Ole Miss, and the complaint stated Rollins told Kiffin he was going to “take a mental health break because of the verbal abuse from Kiffin and the mental anxiety, depression, and worthlessness he was feeling” that was exacerbated by the death of his grandmother. 

“You have a f***ing head coach,” Kiffin said in the conversation recorded by Rollins. “This is a job. Guess what? If I have mental issues—and I’m not diminishing them—I can’t not see my f***ing boss, when you were told again and again the head coach needs to see you.”

Rollins, a defensive lineman, was on the Ole Miss roster last season, although he didn’t play. He’s currently a grad student at Ole Miss. 

Messages left with Rollins’s lawyer as well as lawyers representing Kiffin and Ole Miss were not immediately returned.  

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team United States forward Dylan Larkin (21) plays the puck and Team Canada forward Nathan MacKinnon (29) defends in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre

NHL Has Huge Ratings Hit With U.S.-Canada 4 Nations Face-Off

The ratings mark a massive hit for the league’s new event.
Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung competes in the slam dunk competition during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center

Mac McClung’s Dunk Contest Winnings Eclipse His NBA Guaranteed Salary

The three-time dunk contest champion has played just five career NBA games.
Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) fight in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre.

Inside the Push for the NHL’s Next Era of International Competition

Players have been clamoring, and the league is all in.

YouTube TV, Paramount Agree on New Deal

The multiyear distribution agreement resolves an increasingly fractious carriage dispute.

Featured Today

Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Eastern Conference guard Damian Lillard (0) of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a play during the second half of the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
February 15, 2025

The NBA’s Latest Attempt To Solve the All-Star Game Conundrum

A new mini-tournament on a lame-duck network may not solve the problem.
Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena
February 11, 2025

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron celebrates a turnover against Clemson Tigers in thein the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoffs on Dec. 21, 2024, at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.

NBC’s Chris Simms: College Football ‘Messed Up’ With NIL Era

Even with caps on revenue sharing, some schools can still spend more.
February 13, 2025

What Has to Happen Next for Flag Football to Become an NCAA..

Flag football is one step closer to being a full-fledged college sport.
February 14, 2025

Notre Dame Latest CFB Team to Hire GM From NFL

Notre Dame has hired a Lions front office executive.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
February 13, 2025

Players Seek Better Deal With EA Sports College Football

Players will get $1,500 upfront.
February 13, 2025

Caitlin Clark Effect: Lasting Impact on Women’s College Hoops Viewership?

Women’s March Madness starts March 16 with Selection Sunday.
NC State women's cross country
February 12, 2025

Trump Education Department Pulls Biden’s NIL Pay Equity Rule

The Biden Administration had issued the guidance in its final days.
Ashton Jeanty
February 12, 2025

Ashton Jeanty on the Group of 5’s NFL Superpower

To Jeanty, development and playing time can lead to “life-changing” NFL money.