A real estate broker from Florida has filed a lawsuit accusing former New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath of turning a blind eye to sexual abuse that occurred at his football camps in the 1970s. Philip Lyle Smith, 64, alleges that he was victimized by Philip Foglietta, a former football coach, during the summer retreats held at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn. Namath, along with co-defendants John Dockery and Nichols College, are named in the lawsuit for failing to recognize the warning signs of abuse.

Smith’s attorney, Arthur Middlemiss, describes the abuse endured by Smith as “a continuous course of sexual conduct,” including grooming, oral sexual conduct, and other forms of sexual abuse. The civil complaint was originally filed in December 2019 but has faced delays in New York courts due to a backlog of sexual abuse cases. The defense is challenging Smith’s right to sue in New York state on the grounds that the camps took place in Vermont and Massachusetts. The proper identification of Namath and Dockery as defendants is also being questioned.

Smith has chosen to reveal his identity and speak out about the abuse in the hopes of empowering others to come forward and begin their own healing. Despite several warning signs, such as Smith’s young age, his special guest status at the camp, and his close proximity to Foglietta, the defendants allegedly did nothing to intervene. Foglietta passed away in 1998, and a subsequent lawsuit against Poly Prep for covering up the coach’s abuse was settled.

Namath, known for leading the Jets to their only Super Bowl victory, has yet to comment on the allegations. Dockery and representatives for both Namath and Nichols College have also remained silent. It remains to be seen how the state appeals court will handle the case.

FAQ

1. Who is Joe Namath?

Joe Namath is a former professional American football quarterback who played for the New York Jets in the NFL. He is famous for leading the Jets to victory in Super Bowl III.

2. What are the allegations against Namath?

Namath is accused of turning a blind eye to sexual abuse that occurred at his football camps in the 1970s.

3. Who is Philip Lyle Smith?

Philip Lyle Smith is a real estate broker from Florida who claims to have been a victim of sexual abuse at Namath’s football camps.

4. What is the status of the lawsuit?

The lawsuit was originally filed in December 2019 and is currently before a state appeals court due to challenges regarding jurisdiction and the identification of defendants.

5. How have the defendants responded to the allegations?

Namath, Dockery, and representatives for Nichols College have not issued any public statements regarding the allegations at this time.