SPORTS

Girls’ tackle football lawsuit reinstated

Jan 17, 2023, 12:32 PM

girls play tackle football...

Girls participate in tackle football in West Jordan on June 6, 2015. (Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)

(Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — A group of girls who sued three Utah School districts for not offering a girls’ football league are having their case reinstated.

KSL NewsRadio’s Amy Donaldson has been following this case for years. The lawsuit was originally filed in 2017. 

“The lawsuit was meant to force specifically three school districts, but I think the wider goal was to have the Utah High School Activities Association offer a girl’s football league — a girl’s tackle football league — for high school girls. That was kind of the ultimate goal of the lawsuit,” Donaldson said.

One of the original plaintiffs was Sam Gordon, who received recognition from the NFL for her efforts to bring tackle football to Utah girls.

“She graduated and knew even if she won, even if they prevailed, she would never get to take advantage of the league that she was fighting to create,” Donaldson said.

A lower court dismissed the case as many of the girls who filed the lawsuit, like Gordon, graduated. But the appeals court said the decision was an error and the case should be reclassified.

The appeals court also said the lower courts should have allowed the lawsuit to be a class action lawsuit.

Related: 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Sports

This photo provided by Bud Light shows Bud Light's 2025 Super Bowl NFL football spot.  ( Bud Light ...

Mariah Maynes

Super Bowl commercials rely on comedy and nostalgia to avoid potential missteps

Most of the commercials airing during this year's Super Bowl are going for laughs, with advertisers betting that America could use a little break.

16 hours ago

FILE - Donald Trump shakes hands with Herschel Walker in New York after agreement on a 4-year contr...

DARLENE SUPERVILLE, Associated Press

A presidential first: Trump at the Super Bowl, latest chapter in a complicated legacy with football

President Donald Trump is expected to view the 2025 Super Bowl in person, which is a first time attendance for any in-office president.

22 hours ago

Former BYU basketball player Jake Shoff died in a car accident. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)...

Mitch Harper, KSL SPORTS

Jake Shoff, former BYU basketball player, dies in car accident

Former BYU basketball player Jake Shoff died in a car crash on Feb. 6 2025.

3 days ago

A Kansas City Chiefs helmet, the Vince Lombardi Trophy and a Philadelphia Eagles helmet are seen be...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

BYU study shows Eagles may be playing “riskier” than the Chiefs on Sunday

The study analyzed eight years of NFL data to determine which coaches were conservative or risky on fourth downs.

3 days ago

referee utah...

Adam Small

Bill seeks to protect referees from violence

A committee of Utah lawmakers supported a bill this week aimed at protecting referees from violence at sporting events in the state.

5 days ago

transgender rights rally utah capitol...

Heather Peterson & Devin Oldroyd

Trump signs executive order banning transgender women from women’s sports

President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order that would keep transgender females out of women's sports in federally funded schools.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Girls’ tackle football lawsuit reinstated