Delaware State University and head football coach DeSean Jackson are accused in a lawsuit filed by a former player who alleges he sustained permanent, life-altering injuries during a locker room incident. The complaint, filed Thursday in Delaware Superior Court by defensive back Malachi Biggs, names the university, Jackson, assistant coach Travis Clark, director of football operations Jane Hicks, and student-athlete Anthony Hebert as defendants.

The lawsuit details a Nov. 19, 2025, incident that allegedly occurred before an early-morning practice. Biggs claims that Hebert confronted another teammate over a social media post before turning his attention to Biggs and placing him in a chokehold. Despite Biggs’ repeated attempts to "tap out," the filing alleges that Hebert continued to choke him until he lost consciousness and fell to the floor.

As a result of the fall, Biggs reportedly suffered catastrophic injuries, including multiple jaw fractures, a severed ligament under his tongue, and severe damage to at least 12 teeth. The complaint states that Biggs required emergency surgery and the placement of a metal plate in his chin. He has remained out of school since the incident to continue medical recovery in his home state of North Carolina.

Beyond the physical altercation, the lawsuit alleges that Jackson and his staff permitted a dangerous "tough guy" environment. The filing claims the coaching philosophy utilized "gang-associated slang" and a mentality that encouraged players to react violently to perceived disrespect. The complaint argues that the program leadership failed to supervise the locker room and allowed a culture of bullying to be dismissed as "horseplay."

In a public statement issued Thursday, Jackson firmly denied the allegations regarding the program’s environment. He stated that he takes the safety and development of every student-athlete seriously and has never fostered or encouraged hazing or violence. Jackson added that because the matter is subject to pending litigation, he would not provide further specific details.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages across 10 counts, including negligence and battery. While Delaware State officials have not issued a separate institutional statement, the university is now under scrutiny as the case moves forward in the court system.