Young Soccer Prodigy Files $100 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Abuse
A former soccer prodigy, once on the verge of a stellar professional career, has filed a $100 million lawsuit alleging severe sexual harassment and abuse by teammates during his time with a Major League Soccer club. The suit claims these traumatic experiences led to the end of his promising athletic future and severe psychological distress, including suicidal thoughts.
A Rapid Rise to Professional Soccer
Jeff Dewsnup, a highly touted goalkeeper, turned professional at the young age of 15, becoming the youngest first-team signing for Real Salt Lake (RSL). He had reportedly turned down lucrative scholarship offers from prestigious universities like Stanford and Columbia, as well as interest from European clubs such as Fulham and PSV Eindhoven. His rookie season was described as one of the best ever seen, positioning him for a bright future in the sport.
However, in April 2022, Dewsnup abruptly stepped away from professional soccer, citing profound misery and even contemplating self-harm. The full extent of what drove him to such a crisis was not immediately clear but is now detailed in the extensive legal filing.
Allegations of Cruel Hazing and Harassment
The lawsuit, filed in Utah’s Third District Court against RSL, the U.S. Soccer Federation, and Major League Soccer, alleges that Dewsnup was subjected to cruel hazing rituals and sexual harassment by older teammates. The complaint details instances where grown men allegedly mocked the size of his penis, exposed themselves to him, and threw soccer balls at his naked body.
Specific accusations within the lawsuit name former RSL teammates Aaron Herrera, David Ochoa, Tate Schmitt, and Justen Glad. Herrera is accused of exposing his genitals to Dewsnup and making lewd gestures with the intent to humiliate and sexually exploit him. Both Herrera and Ochoa are also alleged to have made repeated sexual comments about Dewsnup’s genitalia while he was changing and showering.
The suit further claims that Herrera, Ochoa, Schmitt, and Glad collaborated to repeatedly throw a soccer ball at Dewsnup’s naked buttocks as he moved around the locker room. This was reportedly done as a targeted “game” against Dewsnup, who was a minor at the time and had expressed discomfort.
Coaches Accused of Negligence and Abuse
Beyond teammate misconduct, the lawsuit also targets RSL coaches for alleged negligence and mistreatment. Dewsnup claims he was frequently belittled and accused of faking injuries by goalkeeping coach Ignacio Hernandez. The suit alleges Hernandez forced Dewsnup to train on an injured shoulder, exacerbating the problem, and threatened verbal abuse if he refused.
The complaint also states that coaches mishandled other injuries, including those to Dewsnup’s foot and hip. Despite multiple reports of the alleged bullying and poor medical treatment made by Dewsnup’s father, Darin Dewsnup, the club is accused of failing to take adequate action.
The lawsuit asserts that RSL prioritized its financial and reputational interests over Dewsnup’s safety, failing to implement proper child protection measures and neglecting to make mandatory reports to law enforcement or the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
Seeking Compensation for Trauma and Lost Career
Dewsnup, now 22, claims he suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and severe emotional distress as a result of the alleged abuse. He is seeking $20 million for psychiatric treatment and an additional $80 million for the professional career he believes was stolen from him. The lawsuit states, “Plaintiff seeks to hold defendants accountable for… committing intentional acts of abuse that destroyed [his] career and caused him to attempt suicide.”
A Promising Background and Life After Soccer
Jeff Dewsnup hails from a prominent Utah family. His father, Darin Dewsnup, is a managing director at Wells Fargo, overseeing billions in client funds. His sister, Abby Johnson, is a published author of Mormon literature. The family also holds significant land holdings in the area.
After leaving soccer, Dewsnup found solace and healing in music. He released his first song in 2022 and plans to release his first solo album in August 2024, which will include a song addressing his experiences with sexual abuse. He is now part of a musical duo called Cove Grove with his fiancée, Carmen Roadifer, to whom he became engaged in June 2023.
Responses from the Clubs
Real Salt Lake has denied the allegations, stating that the club takes athlete safety “extremely seriously” and will “vigorously defend itself through the legal process.” Major League Soccer acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, affirming that player safety is a core priority and that the league is committed to maintaining safe environments and compliance with SafeSport standards. The league also stated that, based on available information, they believe they conducted themselves appropriately.
The players and coaches named in the complaint have not yet commented on the lawsuit.
Dewsnup filed the lawsuit shortly before his 22nd birthday, the deadline for such a case to be heard. In a previous interview, he alluded to struggling with his mental health and feeling “miserable” during his playing days, stating, “I was really struggling outside of that.” He described a period where he experienced thoughts of self-harm before finding relief through his music.
