A federal jury in Florida has recently awarded a sum of $9 million to a tennis player in response to her lawsuit against the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA). The lawsuit alleged that the USTA failed to take appropriate action to protect her from sexual abuse by a coach at one of its training centers.
The plaintiff, Kylie McKenzie, expressed her contentment with the outcome, stating that she feels validated and aspires to motivate other girls to speak out against similar injustices. The lawsuit claims that Anibal Aranda, a former USTA coach, utilized his position to sexually abuse vulnerable female athletes. Additionally, McKenzie’s lawsuit accuses the USTA of negligence in retaining Aranda as a coach despite his previous assault on a USTA employee.
McKenzie, an accomplished junior player with a career-high ranking of No. 33 in 2016, epitomizes her talent and potential in the sport of tennis. The jury has granted her $3 million in compensation and an additional $6 million in punitive damages.
In response to the verdict, the USTA has expressed its intention to appeal the decision while extending sympathy for McKenzie and acknowledging the gravity of her allegations. The organization has also stressed its continuous efforts to review and improve its safeguarding policies and procedures in order to protect athletes from abuse and effectively address reports of misconduct.
Overall, this case underscores the importance of safeguarding athletes and the responsibility of sports organizations to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their athletes. This outcome emphasizes the significance of holding sports organizations accountable for the safety of their athletes, indicating that necessary steps must be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Ultimately, the verdict serves as a reminder of the imperative to prioritize the protection and well-being of athletes in the realm of sports.