DOG ABUSE, PSU LAWSUIT

Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs turned himself in to the Tuscaloosa County Jail on Thursday facing allegations of mistreating two dogs. The Tuscaloosa Police Department confirmed that Buggs surrendered after being issued two misdemeanor warrants the previous day. Buggs who posted a $600 bond now awaits a court hearing set for June 13th. The charges stem from a report received by Tuscaloosa Police Department about two dogs left on the back porch of a home Buggs had been renting. When officers and animal control arrived they found a gray and white pit bull and a black rottweiler with no food or water appearing malnourished and neglected. The residents seemed abandoned with witnesses claiming Buggs had recently moved out. The pit bull was later euthanized. Buggs agent Trey Robinson denied the charges claiming his client is the target of a deliberate campaign to shut down the hookah lounge Buggs owns in Tuscaloosa. Robinson stated that Buggs was unaware of the dogs being left behind and they did not belong to him. He also alleged that Buggs had been arrested twice in the past two months on misdemeanor charges with no public record suggesting the city is using these allegations to pressure Buggs into surrendering this business license. Buggs age 27 has had a career spanning three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and two with the Detroit Lions before joining the Chiefs in January as a practice squad player. A Dauphin County jury awarded Dr. Scott Lynch $5.25 million in damages concluding a high-stakes trial against Penn State Health. Lynch a former team doctor for Penn State's football program claimed his removal was retaliatory after he complained about head coach Jane Franklin's interference in medical decisions. The trial which lasted seven days included testimony from former players, doctors, athletic trainers and university officials. Witnesses detailed instances where Franklin allegedly pressured medical staff to clear players for return to play prematurely. Lynch's dismissal came in early 2019 six months after raising concerns about Franklin's interference. Despite his long-standing role Lynch's supervisors claimed his removal was due to the need for a physician based in State College contrary to Lynch's residence 100 miles away in Hershey Pennsylvania. Throughout the trial defense attorneys argued that Lynch's long commute and poor communication with Franklin were the real issues. However the jury sided with Lynch recognizing the retaliation he faced for advocating medical autonomy. Lynch hopes this verdict will spur the NCAA to enforce policies ensuring the independence of sports medicine staff a mandate established in 2016 but reportedly never enforced. Penn State Health expressed disappointment with the decision and is considering an appeal. Carlos Reyes, NTD News.