The parents of a teenager with autism are suing New Jersey's high school sports governing body, saying his civil rights were violated when he was due a fifth year of eligibility.
Anthony Starego’s parents attribute much of his academic and social progress over the last four years to being a member of the Brick High football team.
In a federal court filing first reported by the Asbury Park Press, the family says the starting placekicker is entitled to play another year because he functions academically like a 10-year old.
In a copy of the lawsuit obtained by NBC10 Philadelphia, Starego’s parents ask for the court to intervene to “allow him to compete for a placekicker spot on the Brick township High School football team for the fall.”
The lawsuit further argues that Anthony should be allowed to play if he earns his spot on the team.
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletics Association last month denied him further eligibility because he'll be 19 and has played four years.
The group says the lawsuit is premature because the matter is before the state's education commissioner.
