Judge Limits Helmet Evidence In College Football Death Suit

ROCKVILLE, Md. (WJZ) -- An important day in court in the wrongful death case of a Maryland student athlete who died during football practice at Frostburg State University.

WJZ's Amy Yensi has more on the evidence the jury will hear.

The judge will allow the jury to hear statements, indicating whether or not the helmet Derek Sheely was using properly protected him on the field.

Derek Sheely spoke passionately about football--a sport that ultimately ended his life. The fullback at Frostburg State University  made his final play after a fatal head injury during practice in 2011.

His parents claim his coaches did not take him off the field when they should have, and that his helmet did not protect him.  They're now taking on the school and the NCAA in hopes of preventing this tragedy from happening to other families.

"Participating in an activity he loves, he didn't know the risk playing for people who he trusted," said Kristen Sheely, mother.

A Montgomery County judge is now ruling to include some, but not all, in a series of statements suggesting the helmet manufacturer knew its helmets may have been defective and falsely advertised them as helping to reduce concussions.

The Sheely family was not in court for Friday's hearing, but attorney teams on both sides were present.

Derek's parents, Ken and Kristy Sheely, blame the NCAA--the nation's top college sports organization, the helmet manufacturer and two Frostburg coaches for his death. The lawsuit claims the coaches forced him to play despite earlier injuries.

The NCAA argues the student athlete knew the risks when he signed up to play football. The organization tried and failed to get the lawsuit dismissed.

"That's all we can do now is know that perhaps our pain and pushing forward will help other children," his mother said.

The trial is set to start in three weeks, on June 20.

WJZ reached out to officials at Frostburg State University. They have no comment on the case.