NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 08: The Mascot for the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first round of the SEC Basketball Tournament at the New Orleans Arena on March 8, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

We’ve seen a few incidents involving vehicles and injuries at college football games. The most notable incident happened in 2008, when University of Houston receiver Patrick Edwards ran into a wagon and broke his leg during a Cougars game with Marshall. But during the 2013 Egg Bowl on ESPN, an ESPN golf cart hit Mississippi State’s bulldog mascot, causing the cheerleader inside the suit, Michaela Mills, to break her leg.

Mills is now suing ESPN and Mississippi State because of the incident, which resulted in a compound fracture, two surgeries, and a rod being placed in her leg. From the Clarion-Ledger…

The suit claims Mills was in the Bully costume, which limits visibility. It goes on to state neither the cart’s driver nor the spotter watched where the cart was doing during an “exciting portion of the game.” The lawsuit claims negligence due to a failed proper lookout, failed proper control of the cart and failed warning to Mills.

Mississippi State is listed liable under the Mississippi Tort Claims Act, Miss. Code Ann. §11-46-1 et. seq.

Mills is seeking in excess of $75,000 in damages due to a compound fracture of her left tibia and fibula; great fright and shock; pain and suffering; medical expenses; loss of enjoyment of life; and all other damages naturally arising from the injuries suffered.’

$75,000 seems like a drop in the bucket for a major university like Mississippi State and an entertainment behemoth like ESPN, but money is money, and I highly doubt either party would just roll over and try to make good by Mills after this distressing accident. Hopefully she gets every dime she’s seeking – you don’t show up to a sporting event dressed as a mascot expecting to get smashed by a golf cart.

[Clarion-Ledger]

About Joe Lucia

I hate your favorite team. I also sort of hate most of my favorite teams.

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