UGA athletics, Bryant settle lawsuit for $400,000

By Tim Tucker

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

ATHENS -- The University of Georgia Athletic Association will pay Decory Bryant $400,000 to settle a lawsuit the former Bulldogs defensive back filed more than five years ago.

Bryant filed suit in 2004, alleging that the association was negligent for not insuring him against a career-ending injury. The case was thrown out by a judge late last year, and Bryant had planned to appeal.

Athletic Association attorney Ed Tolley said Wednesday that the case was settled "to avoid the ongoing cost of litigation" and "because it has been our intention all along to help Decory Bryant."

Tolley said the Athletic Association paid Bryant's medical and rehabilitation expenses at the time of the injury.

Bryant suffered a career-ending neck injury during a 2003 game, days after talking with a UGA athletics official about establishing an insurance policy that would have covered him against injury for up to $500,000.

In the lawsuit, Bryant had sought $500,000 plus punitive damages.

A Clarke County Superior Court judge dismissed the suit Dec. 4, ruling that the Athletic Association is protected as a state agency from some civil actions and that Bryant did not provide timely notice of his intent to sue the association.

After the injury, doctors told Bryant that he would risk further serious injury if he played football again, ending his hopes of an NFL career.

As part of this week's settlement, Bryant relinquished any further claims against the Athletic Association or its insurer.