Armond Armstead's Lawsuit Against USC Over Painkillers Approved By Judge

Former Lineman Gets Green Light To Sue USC
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 24: Armond Armstead #94 of the USC Trojans rushes against the Oregon State Beavers on October 24, 2009 at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. USC won 42-36. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 24: Armond Armstead #94 of the USC Trojans rushes against the Oregon State Beavers on October 24, 2009 at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. USC won 42-36. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)

A judge ruled former defensive lineman Armond Armstead's lawsuit against USC could move forward Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Armstead, 22, alleged that USC team doctors gave him painkillers that caused him to have a heart attack that effectively ended his college career and affected his professional football aspirations. Armstead's lawsuit said he was given the drug, Toradol, which caused the heart attack.

Judge Yvette Palazuelos ruled Armstead's complaint included enough specifics to temporarily support his allegations of battery, medical negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress against team doctor James Tibone and the University Park Health Center at USC.

Palazuelos also denied a request from USC to postpone depositions in the case because the company which manufactures Toradol, Hospira Inc., is now part of the lawsuit. Depositions, including those of USC coaches, are expected to be finished by late July.

Armstead's lawsuit said he was not aware he was given Toradol several times and unaware of possible side effects. Toradol is given to patients for moderate to severe pain and used to treat conditions like arthritis.

Armstead was never cleared by USC to play his senior year and not allowed to participate in last year's Pro Day. He played last season for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League and signed a contract in January with the New England Patriots.

His brother, defensive lineman Arik Armstead, switched his commitment from USC to Oregon because of his brother's situation and played with the Ducks last season.

(c)2013 the Daily News (Los Angeles)

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