VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL)--A Lowndes High student who has committed to play football at Florida State University, is one of nearly 40 people named in a wrongful death suit filed by the parents of a teenager found dead in gym mat.
The suit filed by the Johnson family claims Kendrick Johnson's death was a cover-up.
The parents of Brian Bell, a Lowndes High linebacker, aren't commenting. We are awaiting a statement from their attorney.
Florida State University Associate Athletic Director Rob Wilson says all student-athletes face the same admissions review process that any other student who is applying would face. He says NCAA rules prevent a comment by anyone from the university on any prospective student-athlete.
The parents of Kendrick Johnson are asking for $100 million dollars in damages. They claim that each of the defendants listed have caused them to suffer from great physical and emotional pain.
The Johnson family says their son was murdered, but the sheriff's office concluded his death was an accident. No criminal charges have been filed.
Meanwhile an investigation is still in the hands of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Lowndes County Schools Attorney Warren Turner says they haven't been served with the suit yet, but he's calling the allegations meritless and groundless.
Attorney Jim Elliot says the accusations made against the sheriff in the suit and the officers are unfounded and lack any basis in law or in fact.
