Jeff Dewsnup, the youngest player ever signed by Real Salt Lake, has filed a lawsuit seeking $100 million, alleging that he endured bullying and sexual harassment while playing for the team as a minor. Now 22, Dewsnup was 17 when he served as a goalkeeper for Real Salt Lake in the United Soccer League. The lawsuit claims that adult teammates regularly taunted him, ridiculing the size of his penis, waving their genitals at him, and pelting his rear end with soccer balls.
Lawsuit Details
The suit names Real Salt Lake (RSL), Major League Soccer (MLS), the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), staff members, and several players. Dewsnup alleges physical, emotional, and sexual abuse during his time with the team. He joined RSL after attending the RSL Academy in 2019 and officially signed in 2021 at age 16, making him the youngest-ever signee. He retired in 2022 at age 18.
Lack of Protections
According to the lawsuit, RSL, MLS, and USSF did not provide special protections for Dewsnup due to his age, forcing him to shower and change in the same locker room as adult players. Neither he nor his parents were informed about how to report child abuse while he was on the team. Dewsnup felt uncomfortable sharing this space and suffered sexualized conduct, including inappropriate comments and exposure to adult genitalia. The complaint also alleges that Aaron Herrera, Tate Schmitt, and Justin Glad hit him with a ball from behind while he was nude.
Emotional Impact
Dewsnup began taking anti-anxiety medication and would wait two hours to shower to avoid adult players. RSL goalkeeper coach Ignacio Hernandez, also named in the suit, is accused of aggressive behavior, mishandling injuries, forcing Dewsnup to train while injured, and verbal abuse. Player David Ochoa allegedly made threats and verbally bullied the 16-year-old in front of others. Despite Dewsnup’s family reporting the incidents to RSL coaches and the general manager, nothing changed.
Suicide Attempt and Retirement
In April 2022, Dewsnup attempted suicide and was taken to the emergency room. He resigned from RSL shortly after. The lawsuit seeks $100 million in total, including $20 million for emergency room treatment, psychiatric care, therapy, and medication. The remaining $80 million accounts for past and future lost wages, including lost earnings as a professional soccer player and endorsements due to his early retirement from the alleged abuse.
