A female graduate assistant football coach at Ohio Dominican University has filed a Title IX sex-discrimination complaint against the school, alleging that one of her players assaulted her at a university-sanctioned event and that the university subsequently retaliated against her.
Madhison Lindamood claims the incident occurred on March 6 when a player "approached her aggressively, made physical contact with her body, and forcibly ripped her bag from her person, physically pulling her, and searched her belongings without her consent." Lindamood stated that at least one witness observed the altercation and provided photos of bruises on her neck as evidence, according to USA Today.
Lindamood reported the incident to Ohio Dominican’s head coach, Kelly Cummings, and the school's Title IX coordinator. However, she did not report the incident to the police, citing fears that further action could cost her job and jeopardize her safety. Her attorney, Sean Sobel, told USA Today that school officials directed Lindamood to address the issues internally, with Cummings leading the investigation.
The lawsuit alleges that Cummings’ personal definition of assault required severe bruising or blood, and that he questioned Lindamood about what she could have done differently. Following her report, Lindamood claims she faced retaliation, including public berating by coaching staff, exclusion from team communications, and being forced to work closely with her alleged assailant. This occurred despite assurances from the university president’s office that she would not face retaliation.
According to the lawsuit, Lindamood was largely excluded from the program after her mother filed a complaint regarding the alleged retaliation in April. Lindamood is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as compensation for unpaid overtime and minimum wages, stating she earned approximately $1.29 per hour for her work, below Ohio’s $11 per hour minimum wage.
Lindamood, one of an estimated 35 female coaches in college football across all levels in 2025, stated, "I wanted that job. What I did not expect was to be told that what happened to me did not count unless it drew blood. No woman should have to choose between staying silent and losing the career she’s worked so hard to build." As of July 14, Lindamood remained listed in Ohio Dominican’s staff directory.