Former Del Campo athlete alleges racial slurs, forced practice. Here’s what to know
A 23-page lawsuit filed in Sacramento federal court Thursday seeking compensatory and punitive damages by a former student-athlete at Del Campo High School alleges he was subjected to racial slurs and forced to practice with an injury. The suit, filed by Riley Cochran-Hernandez against former coaches Jeff Remington and Matt Costa and the San Juan Unified School District, also alleges one coach made a discriminatory reference to reporting students to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
FULL STORY: Del Campo coach alluded to calling ICE on students, lawsuit and district probe say
Here are key takeaways:
• The allegations: Cochran-Hernandez, who is of Latino descent, alleges he was “subjected to years of discriminatory treatment,” including racial slurs, unsafe practices in 100-degree-plus heat with restricted water breaks and ritualized verbal abuse and humiliation.
• The ICE comment: During a spring 2025 team activity, Remington allegedly referenced ICE and a “$1,500” cash figure to a group that included Hispanic and immigrant students. The district’s compliance coordinator wrote that Remington admitted to making the comment.
• The injury claim: Cochran-Hernandez alleges he pulled a muscle in early March 2025 and obtained a doctor’s note requesting rest, but Remington told him he would be removed from the team if he didn’t practice. The injury worsened to a tear extending from his knee to near the top of his leg.
• District investigation findings: A compliance coordinator concluded that “the preponderance of evidence demonstrates” the coaches’ leadership “has been detrimental to student safety and well-being,” substantiating claims of medical negligence, racial slurs, physical punishment and a “culture of fear.”
• Coaching changes: Costa stepped away last September and was placed on administrative leave. Remington took over and was also placed on leave. Both were let go, and Del Campo named Jordan Botha its next head coach in February.
• The other side: Costa declined to comment. Remington could not be immediately reached. A former assistant coach disputed the use of racial slurs and Cochran-Hernandez’s status on the team, saying he was never a starter and was not a college prospect.