WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

CHARLESTON -- A non-profit youth football league is suing over claims it purchased helmets based on false advertising statements.

Midwestern Midget Football Club Inc. filed a class action lawsuit April 14 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia against Riddell Inc., All American Sports Corp., doing business as Riddell/All American, Riddell Sports Group Inc., Easton-Bell Sports Inc., Easton-Bell Sports LLC, EB Sports Corp. and RBG Holdings Corp., citing violation of the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff purchased Riddell Revolution Helmets for its youth football organization based on Riddell's claims the helmets reduce concussions by 31 percent.

However, there is no evidence the Revolution Helmet reduces the risk of concussion more than other helmets, according to the complaint. The plaintiff states Riddell sold, marketed and distributed the helmets with concussion reduction claims, which is an unfair and deceptive practice.

Midwestern Midget Football Club is seeking an order certifying the proposed class, a declaration that defendants have engaged in illegal conduct, an order awarding declaratory and injunctive relief, actual damages or statutory damages, a requirement that defendants engage in a corrective advertising campaign, costs and fees.

The plaintiff is being represented in the case by Michael Murphy and Marc Weintraub of Bailey & Glasser LLP.

United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia Case No. 2:14-cv-14634