Former Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Jeff Dewsnup has filed a lawsuit seeking $100 million in damages, alleging that he was subjected to bullying, sexual harassment, and abuse by teammates and staff while playing for the club as a minor.
Dewsnup, now 22, was signed by Real Salt Lake in 2021 at the age of 16, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history. He retired from professional football a year later.
The lawsuit names Real Salt Lake, Major League Soccer (MLS), the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), several staff members, and a number of players.
According to court documents, Dewsnup alleges he endured repeated bullying and inappropriate conduct from adult teammates while training and competing with the club. The complaint claims he was subjected to humiliating comments, harassment in locker rooms, and other forms of physical and emotional abuse.
The lawsuit further alleges that the club failed to establish adequate safeguarding measures despite his status as a minor and required him to share changing and shower facilities with adult players. Dewsnup and his family also claim they were not provided with clear procedures for reporting abuse.
Among those named in the suit are former goalkeeper coach Ignacio Hernandez and several players whom Dewsnup accuses of engaging in or contributing to the alleged misconduct. The complaint also claims concerns raised by his family to club officials were not adequately addressed.
Dewsnup says the experience had a severe impact on his mental health, leading to anxiety, medical treatment, and ultimately his departure from the club in 2022.
The lawsuit seeks $20 million for medical expenses, therapy, psychiatric care, and related treatment, while the remaining $80 million is linked to alleged lost earnings, including potential wages and endorsement opportunities he claims were affected by his early retirement from professional football.
The defendants have not publicly responded to the allegations in the lawsuit. The claims remain allegations, and the case is expected to proceed through the courts.