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'Let Them Play' coalition files lawsuit over winter sports postponement

Organization filed lawsuit on Tuesday morning
'Let Them Play'
Posted at 10:37 AM, Feb 02, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-02 17:19:08-05

(WXMI) — The organization 'Let Them Play' is filing a lawsuit in the State of Michigan over the continued postponement of winter sports.

Lawsuit filed to reinstate winter sports

RELATED: WATCH: 'Let Them Play' coalition files lawsuit against MDHHS

Honigman LLP filed the lawsuit in the Michigan Court of Claims on Tuesday morning, asking for immediate contact sports.

In documents obtained by FOX 17, the lawsuit cites the following:

  • Data and science supports resumption of youth sports
  • Experience from other states confirms safety of youth sports
  • Team sports are part of a student-athlete's education
  • Education achievement is linked to athletic opportunities
  • Racial and economic inequities are growing
  • Economic and education pathways are closing
Page 1 of 'Let Them Play' Lawsuit
'Let Them Play' organization files lawsuit against the postponement for winter sports.

The three-page document states: "We urge you to quickly issue a new Emergency Health Order allowing all sports to begin practice and competition no later than February 1, 2021.

Page 2 of 'Let Them Play' lawsuit
Second page of the 'Let Them Play' lawsuit against the state regarding the postponement of winter sports.

The lead plaintiff in the case is 'Let Them Play Michigan,' which led the peaceful rally at the State Capitol on Saturday.

Another plaintiff is the family of Mona Shores hockey player, Brennan Dethloff who tragically passed away on January 18 along with other athletes and families across the state.

"The Dethloff family reached out to us right away when we were hired," Ruddell added.

In a Tuesday morning press conference, Peter Ruddell of Honigman LLP, the main attorney in the lawsuit says he was hoping it wouldn't come to this.

"We've been having outstanding conversations with the health director, we would prefer not to take court action. The best would be to not take court action, unfortunately we had to take action this morning," Ruddell said.

The lawsuit comes two days after thousands of people attended a 'Let Them Play' rally at the State Capitol building in Lansing.

RELATED: Athletes express concerns over winter sports postponement

RELATED: State representatives voice concerns over winter sports postponement