Attorneys for Thomas Kithier File Lawsuit Against Michigan High School Athletic Association
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 29, 2017
DETROIT, MI – Prominent trial attorneys Ven Johnson of Johnson Law, PLC and Steve Fishman announced today that they have filed a lawsuit against the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), Chippewa Valley Schools, and representatives of the MHSAA and Dakota High School on behalf of 18-year-old high school senior Thomas Kithier. The lawsuit was filed in United States District Court in Detroit.
The MHSAA ruled Kithier ineligible for the 2018 season after he moved his residence from Macomb to Clarkston and enrolled at Clarkston High School. Dakota objected to allowing Thomas play basketball at Clarkston, alleging his move was athletically-motivated, and asked the MHSAA to investigate.
Attorney Steve Fishman stated, “The MHSAA, based on false allegations from Dakota, decided in its infinite wisdom to punish an innocent young man for exercising his right to move to another school district for academic and social reasons. They did so without any regard for due process, not even bothering to talk to either Thomas or his parents about their real reasons for the move to Clarkston. And we will prove all that and more in court if necessary.”
He continued, “As we have repeatedly said, this case is not about money. All we are asking is that Thomas be allowed to start playing basketball when the second semester begins on January 15, just like every other kid in the same situation.”
(Case Number: 2:17-cv-14227-MOB-DRG)
