Florida's highest court rules UCF has immunity
![1fe0f05d-29182557_7910866_G_20150814061246](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox35orlando.com/www.fox35orlando.com/content/uploads/2019/09/764/432/29182557_7910866_G_101731_ver1.0_640_360.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Ereck Plancher photo courtesy of Orlando Sentinel.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The Florida Supreme Court has ruled that the private corporation that runs the University of Central Florida's athletic program won't have to pay $10 million to the family of a football player who died during practice.
The court on Thursday voted 6-0 with one recusal to uphold a lower court ruling that the University of Central Florida Athletic Association is entitled to the same sovereign immunity that protects state agencies from paying more than $200,000 in damages.
Football player Ereck Plancher collapsed and died during a 2008 practice.
His family sued the association, claiming negligence. A trial court awarded the family $10 million.
An appellate court, however, ruled that the association was entitled to sovereign immunity.
The Supreme Court says Plancher's family could seek more money through the Florida Legislature.