Madison Lindamood, a graduate assistant coach at Ohio Dominican University, has lodged a Title IX sex‑discrimination complaint after alleging that a player assaulted her during a university‑sanctioned event.
According to the lawsuit, the player approached Lindamood aggressively, made physical contact and rummaged through her belongings without her permission, creating a threatening atmosphere that left her fearing for her safety.
Lindamood said she reported the incident to head coach Kelly Cummings and the school’s Title IX coordinator, but chose not to involve law enforcement because she worried about losing her job and escalating the confrontation.
The university’s response placed the investigation under Cummings, who reportedly described assault as an incident that must involve blood or severe bruising, a standard that critics argue narrows the definition of violence. Following the complaint, Lindamood faced public reprimands, was cut off from team communications and forced to work alongside the alleged assailant.
Legal Claims and Workplace Fallout
The legal filing seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as recovery of unpaid overtime and wages that fall far below Ohio’s $11‑hour minimum, highlighting a pay disparity that sees Lindamood earning roughly $1.29 per hour despite the state’s higher wage floor.
Her case also shines a light on the broader gender imbalance in college football, where only 35 of the 7,500 coaches were women in 2025, underscoring the obstacles women face in a male‑dominated arena.
In a statement, Lindamood expressed disappointment that she must choose between staying silent and protecting her career, urging institutions to confront systemic bias and ensure safer workplaces for all.