A lawsuit has been filed against Central Michigan University (CMU) and members of its athletic department, alleging that a baseball coach physically assaulted a student-athlete and that the university retaliated when the player reported the incident.
According to the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on August 19, 2025, obtained via public court records (Case No. 1:25-cv-12575), details allegations from former CMU pitcher Dean Brown. Brown claims that pitching coach Aaron Hilt punched him in the chest during a pregame routine before a matchup against Western Kentucky University on March 2, 2025.
Timeline of Events:
- March 2, 2025: Alleged assault occurs during pregame at Western Kentucky.
- March 3, 2025: Brown reports incident to head coach Jacob Sabol.
- March 17, 2025: Brown emails athletic director Amy Folan.
- March 19, 2025: Brown pitches in his last game for CMU.
- April 18, 2025: Snapchat message leads to suspension.
- August 19, 2025: Lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court.
The full complaint, provided by Flood Law through Near Perfect Media, can be viewed here.
Allegations Against the Coach
According to court filings reviewed by Detroit Sports Nation, Brown was standing in line with teammates during a customary fist-bump routine when Hilt, “without provocation,” struck him with a closed fist, leaving a deep bruise. Witnesses described the act as “out of the blue”. The lawsuit also references previous concerns from players and parents about Hilt’s behavior, including alleged excessive drinking, that the university did not investigate.
Retaliation Claims
The complaint asserts that after Brown reported the incident to head coach Jacob Sabol and later to athletic director Amy Folan, he was benched and eventually suspended from the team. The lawsuit claims CMU officials used a team Snapchat message — where Brown used the phrase “time to die,” reportedly a common team mantra — as pretext to remove him from competition.
Brown alleges he was ostracized, barred from team facilities, and ultimately forced to transfer schools, costing him a year of eligibility and his chance to continue at the Division I level.
Legal Grounds
The lawsuit names CMU, Hilt, Sabol, and Folan as defendants. Claims include:
- Assault and battery against Hilt
- Negligence and negligent hiring/supervision against CMU and athletic officials
- Retaliation in violation of the First Amendment
- Violation of bodily integrity under the Fourteenth Amendment
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
Brown is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, along with attorney fees.
Broader Context
The complaint also alleges CMU ignored prior concerns about Hilt’s behavior raised by parents and players. The filing frames the case as a failure of oversight within the athletics department. It does not reference other unrelated controversies.
As of the filing date, the complaint states Hilt remained employed by CMU, and he is currently listed as an assistant coach on CMU’s staff directory.
DSN did not locate a public statement from CMU regarding the lawsuit at the time of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who filed the lawsuit against Central Michigan University?
Former pitcher Dean Brown filed the lawsuit in federal court on August 19, 2025.
Who are the defendants named in the complaint?
The defendants are CMU, pitching coach Aaron Hilt, head coach Jacob Sabol, and athletic director Amy Folan.
What does the lawsuit allege?
The lawsuit claims that coach Hilt punched Brown during a pregame routine and that CMU retaliated against Brown after he reported the incident.
What are the legal claims in the case?
The complaint includes claims of assault and battery, negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, retaliation under the First Amendment, violation of bodily integrity under the Fourteenth Amendment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Is Aaron Hilt still employed by CMU?
The complaint states Hilt remained employed as of its filing, and CMU’s staff directory continues to list him as an assistant coach.
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