Retaliation Against Athletes Who Report Abuse: Your Legal Remedies in New York State

Understanding Your Protection After Speaking Up

When an athlete reports abuse, they take a huge step toward safety. But what happens next can be just as painful. Retaliation isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it looks like lost playing time. 

Other times, it's exclusion from team events, or whispers behind closed doors. In New York, retaliation against athletes who report abuse is illegal. That protection matters whether the athlete is in a public school, private club, or college program.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our athletic team sex assault attorneys represent athletes and families across New York who face retaliation after reporting abuse. We help clients understand their rights, gather evidence, and take legal steps to protect themselves. 

If you've spoken up and now feel targeted, you're not alone. You're not without options. Learn more about how we help survivors of sexual abuse.

What Retaliation Looks Like in Sports Programs

Retaliation is any negative action taken against someone because they reported abuse, supported a survivor, or participated in an investigation. In sports, retaliation is often disguised as a coaching decision or team discipline. But the intent behind it is what matters.

You may be facing retaliation if you experience:

• Sudden changes in your role on the team (e.g., being benched or demoted)
• Exclusion from games, team trips, or team bonding events
• Social pressure or harassment from teammates or coaching staff
• Dismissal from a team without clear cause
• Verbal warnings or write-ups shortly after making a report

Retaliation doesn’t have to come from the abuser. It often comes from institutions trying to protect their reputation. In New York, whether you’re part of a high school sports program, a SUNY athletics department, or a private soccer academy in Westchester, the law is clear: retaliation is unlawful.

Who Is Protected From Retaliation Under New York Law

Protection isn’t limited to the person who reported the abuse. In New York, several categories of people are protected if they speak up about misconduct.

This includes:

• Athletes who report sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
• Parents or guardians who file complaints on their child’s behalf
• Coaches, trainers, or staff who report concerns internally or externally
• Teammates who provide supporting information or serve as witnesses

Under the New York State Human Rights Law and Education Law Section 2801, public schools and private institutions are prohibited from retaliating against students for protected activity. At the college level, Title IX provides federal protections against retaliation in any program receiving government funding.

This legal coverage applies across New York State, from rural high schools to large athletic programs at CUNY or SUNY campuses. Even club programs that operate out of private training centers are subject to civil liability when retaliation occurs.

Which Institutions Can Be Held Accountable

Athletes are often told to keep quiet or that they’re risking the program’s future by speaking out. But when retaliation follows a report of abuse, the blame doesn’t fall on the athlete. It falls on the institution.

Organizations that may be held accountable include:

• Public school districts (e.g., New York City DOE, Buffalo Public Schools)
• Colleges and universities (such as SUNY Albany or SUNY Cortland athletics programs)
• Private sports academies and club teams
• Nonprofit youth leagues
• Charter and parochial schools with extracurricular sports programs

Institutional retaliation happens when school leaders, athletic directors, or coaching staff take or tolerate actions that harm a reporting athlete. This includes punishing, isolating, or discrediting them. In many cases, these actions create new legal violations on top of the original abuse report.

In New York, institutions have a duty to protect students and athletes from retaliation, just as they have a duty to protect them from abuse.

Legal Remedies for Athletes Who Face Retaliation

Athletes who experience retaliation after reporting abuse are entitled to specific legal remedies. These remedies vary based on the type of institution involved and the nature of the retaliation. In many cases, both state and federal laws offer a path forward.

Remedies may include:

• Filing a civil lawsuit for damages tied to retaliation
• Administrative complaints under Title IX or New York State Education Law
• Court orders for reinstatement or reversal of wrongful team decisions
• Monetary compensation for:
  • Emotional distress
  • Therapy or medical costs
  • Lost scholarship or career opportunities

If retaliation caused you to leave a team, miss recruitment events, or decline a scholarship offer, you may be able to recover compensation for those losses. Civil claims can also include reputational harm when false narratives were spread in response to a report.

There are strict time limits for filing claims. In some cases, you may need to notify the school or institution within 90 days through a notice of claim. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer early, before windows close.

Steps to Take if You Experience Retaliation After Reporting Abuse

Responding to retaliation requires both documentation and advocacy. The more clearly you can connect the retaliation to your original report, the stronger your legal case becomes. Here’s a practical plan for athletes and families in New York.

1. Write down everything: Keep a timeline of events, including who said what and when changes occurred.
2. Save all records: Emails, texts, rosters, team decisions, and screenshots can all support your case.
3. Report the retaliation internally to school officials, athletic boards, or the Title IX coordinator.
4. File a complaint with an external agency if the retaliation persists:
   1. New York State Division of Human Rights
   2. U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
5. Contact a lawyer who has experience in school abuse, retaliation, and sports-related claims.

Even if you’re not sure if what you’re experiencing counts as retaliation, it’s worth documenting. Patterns matter in these cases, and small actions can add up over time.

The Role of an Attorney in Retaliation Cases

Handling a retaliation case is rarely simple. Schools and sports organizations often bring in outside counsel. Insurance carriers may get involved. Internal politics can cloud investigations. That’s where having your own legal support makes the difference.

An attorney can help:

• Evaluate whether you have a retaliation case under New York or federal law
• Preserve records and collect supporting statements from teammates or staff
• Draft and file formal legal complaints
• Demand corrective action from the institution
• Represent you in hearings or court proceedings

At Horn Wright, LLP, we provide trauma-informed legal guidance. We understand how hard it is to go public after abuse, only to be punished for doing the right thing. Our job is to protect your future while holding the right people accountable.

Whether you need to be reinstated to a team, seek compensation for emotional harm, or ensure a retaliation-free school environment, our attorneys can walk you through the legal steps.

If You Need Legal Guidance, Horn Wright, LLP, Is Here

Our sexual abuse attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, believe no athlete should face retaliation for speaking up. We represent clients across New York State who were punished, silenced, or isolated after reporting abuse. 

If you or your child has been targeted after doing the right thing, we can help. We’ll listen, review your options, and build a path toward justice. Reach out today to protect your rights and restore your peace of mind.