This story first appeared in CM Life, Central Michigan University’s award-winning, student-run campus media company.
Former Central Michigan University baseball player Dean Brown has filed a federal lawsuit against the university, claiming he was physically assaulted by an assistant coach and later retaliated against by the athletic department for reporting the incident.
The lawsuit, filed August 19, claims that pitching coach Aaron Hilt punched Brown in the chest without provocation during a March 2, 2025 game at Western Kentucky University. According to the complaint, the blow left a fist-sized bruise and was witnessed by several teammates.
Instead of taking disciplinary action against Hilt, the complaint alleges that CMU “actively attempted to conceal the assault” and retaliated against Brown. The filing states that Brown was benched, suspended and ultimately forced out of the program after he reported the incident to head coach Jacob Sabol and athletic director Amy Folan.
CMU's Athletic Communications provided Central Michigan Life with a statement, saying that “CMU does not comment on pending litigation.”
The lawsuit names CMU, Hilt, Sabol and Folan as defendants and alleges violations of Brown’s First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, as well as claims of assault and battery, negligence, negligent hiring and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Brown, an Ohio native, said in the lawsuit his baseball career has been derailed. After losing a year of eligibility, he has since transferred to a junior college program and no longer has the opportunity to compete at the Division I level.
The case seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees and other relief to be determined by the court.
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