Former LSU Lineman Suing Lloyd’s over $2M Insurance Policy

Former Louisiana State University offensive lineman Ciron Black is seeking $4 million in a lawsuit claiming that underwriters at Lloyd’s of London did not pay an insurance policy he bought before a career-ending knee injury.

In a federal lawsuit filed Oct. 29, Black said he was projected as a first-round NFL pick before the 2009 season. After the season, he was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection. He also received the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, which is given to the SEC’s top offensive lineman.

Black hurt his knee in a Nov. 7 game against Alabama, was not drafted by any NFL team and was told by doctors on April 20 that his career was over, the lawsuit said.

“He’ s told he can’t play football again,” Black’s attorney, Patrick Jackson, told The Advocate. “To suddenly not be able to play football, you can imagine how devastating that is for any young man who had his sights on a career in the NFL.”

Jackson said the suit is aimed against underwriters that were supposed to insure Black against a career-ending injury. Jackson said Black paid $14,758 in premiums for a $2 million policy. The suit also seeks $2 million in additional damages for failing to act in “good faith and fair dealing.”

Hank Watkins, president of Lloyd’s America Inc. in New York, said neither Lloyd’s of London nor its American subsidiary sold insurance to Black. He said Lloyd’s provides a marketplace for 85 insurance syndicates.

“The ultimate discussion will have to be between the plaintiff’s attorney and the syndicate that provided the policy,” Watkins said.

Information from: The Advocate, http://www.2theadvocate.com