Federal judge decides Ripple concussion case

By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula

A federal judge ruled in favor of Marble Falls Independent School District (MFISD) in a concussion lawsuit case involving a former student who played football for the high school from 2007-2011.

Blake Ripple, 22, sued the district in 2012 claiming he suffered more than 30 concussions or sub-concussions while a MFISD football player. Ripple alleged Cord Woerner, former athletic director and head football coach, ignored multiple concussions he suffered as a lineman, according to court documents on file with the U.S. District Court Western District of Texas in Austin.

In a 58-page decision, Senior U.S. District Judge Daniel Ezra granted the district’s motion for summary judgment, ending the lawsuit.

“We appreciate the Court’s interest, involvement and learned memorandum, on the case,” said Ripple’s lawyer, Martin Cirkiel of the law firm Cirkiel & Associates in Round Rock, April 22.

Bridget Robinson of the law firm Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green & Trevino, P.C., in Austin, has represented the district since the beginning of the lawsuit.

Ripple’s case was in a federal court, instead of state court, because he alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Ripple’s mother, Lori, decided to withhold comment at this time.

MFISD central administrators could not be reached for comment.