Denver Broncos LB Aaron Patrick is suing the NFL, Los Angeles Chargers, ESPN and a mat company, for a series of decisions that he believes led to the torn ACL he suffered during an Oct. 17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Patrick claims his knee bent awkwardly after his foot got tangled up in the mats and cords. He was placed on injured reserve as a result of a torn ACL.
The lawsuit alleges negligence in the placement of mats covering cords and cables that led to the feed for the league’s replay monitor. Patrick alleges that his foot rolled on one of the mats as he tried not to slam into the NFL’s “green hat” TV liaison.
The lawsuit was filed Tuesday morning in California by William M. Berman, the attorney for Broncos outside linebacker Aaron Patrick.
The incident took place during a Monday Night Football game on Oct. 17 when Patrick injured his ACL after tackling Chargers punt returner DeAndre Carter.
“Upon stepping on one of the mats, (Patrick’s) cleats became lodged in the mat and/or the cords/cables running underneath and caused (Patrick’s) left knee to contort causing (him) to fall awkwardly,” the lawsuit states.
Patrick suffered a season-ending injury and is seeking restitution for earnings he lost, bonuses he won’t qualify for, personal medical expenses, and pain and suffering damages.
Berman cited a similar lawsuit won by former NFL running back Reggie Bush when his season was cut short after tearing his lateral meniscus following a slip on a concrete surface at Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis during the 2015-16. Bush was awarded $12.45 million in damages.
Patrick signed with the Broncos in September 2021. He previously played for the Jaguars.
Broncos LB Aaron Patrick on the field in September 2022. Photo courtsey of The New York Post
