Former Penn State doctor who alleged interference from James Franklin awarded $5.25 million in lawsuit

The Pennsylvania-based Dauphin County Circuit Court granted Dr. Scott Lynch, former orthopedic consultant and director of athletics medicine at Penn State, $5.25 million in punitive and compensatory damages arising from a civil lawsuit against Penn State Health. At the center of Lynch’s testimony was a turbulent relationship with football coach James Franklin.

Lynch, who claimed that his termination following a refusal to “allow a coach to interfere with his medical treatment and return-to-play decisions”, was one of two doctors to speak out against Franklin and his attempts to interfere with the team’s medical experts. Pete Seidenberg, primary care physician for the 2014 Penn State football team, claimed during wrongful termination trial against the school that he was pressured by Franklin and then-athletic director Sandy Barbour to medically disqualify a player who attempted suicide in order to free up a scholarship.

Lynch’s testimony, which includes emails he sent to Franklin expressing both his disapproval of the attempted interference and his desire for reconciliation, shed further light on Franklin’s role in the proceedings. Lynch went so far as to report Franklin’s interference with Penn State athletics and Penn State Health under Dr. Kevin Black, per PennLive.com.

“Punishment” for lack of treatment

According to PennLivea wave of players failed to show up for scheduled medical treatments in 2018. The problem became so severe that Franklin ruled that players who failed to show up for their appointments would be treated as if they were fully functioning in practice.

Lynch sent an email to Franklin criticizing what he called “punishment” and instead suggested that players be allowed to clean the team’s locker rooms.

“Just because they don’t show up for treatment doesn’t mean they’re not injured,” Lynch testified.

According to Lynch, Franklin did not take the email well. Lynch then tried to schedule a meeting to calm things down between the two, but never received a response.

Stopping team doctors

Lynch testified that he was instructed during a phone call with Franklin to refrain from using the term “lateral meniscus” when discussing knee injuries with players. Lynch responded that he would not lie about the problems a player might face before the call was suddenly disconnected. Lynch tried to call back but was told Franklin had left.

Lynch also alleged that Franklin would become “angry” when certain players were listed as unavailable or when Penn State’s injury list grew too long. Franklin also allegedly tried to stop coaches from putting more tape on players’ ankles, as it often covered the Nike logo on Penn State’s team shoes — an apparent violation of the university’s marketing agreement with the apparel company, notes PennLive.

Franklin’s “Manipulation” Brought to Light

Lynch was removed from his position on Jan. 28, 2019, after Franklin and Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour met with Black, according to testimony. Following his dismissal, Lynch met several times with Penn State Athletics integrity officer Robert Boland to discuss his management and relationship with Franklin.

Lynch raised concerns about preserving the “medical autonomy” of Franklin and his staff, especially when it came to decisions regarding player health. Lynch told Boland that Franklin would try to “manipulate” the situation to obtain a favorable outcome on medical decisions he disagreed with.

According to Lynch, Boland shared his findings with Lynch and determined that the case was “in Lynch’s favor.” However, Boland never officially published his report. PennLive notes that Boland’s report is off limits during the trial and that Boland was barred from testifying about it.