Iowa Barnstormers basketball coach abuse $1.9M class action settlement

The Iowa Barnstormers have agreed to a $1.9 million class action settlement to resolve claims of sexual abuse and misconduct by former basketball coach Greg Stephen.

The class is made up of anyone affiliated with a Barnstormers Basketball Inc. team while Stephen was involved with the organization and who “fell victim to Greg Stephen’s illicit acts of secretly procuring nude images and/or recordings of minors” between 2005 and April 5, 2018, the settlement notice says.

The class action lawsuit was filed by a former Barnstormers player who accused the team, Stephen, team sponsor Adidas and tournament organizer Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) of negligence in hiring and supervising Stephen. The coach allegedly collected explicit images and videos of more than 400 boys and physically molested more than 12.

The Barnstormers have denied all allegations of wrongdoing, but have agreed to the settlement to resolve the players’ claims.

Under the terms of the Iowa Barnstormers coach Greg Stephen sexual abuse settlement, class members can receive a cash payment.

Class members who were subjected to the secret recordings and photos during the class period must submit timely and valid claims and release forms to receive a payment.

Each class member will receive an equal, proportionate share of the funds remaining after attorneys’ fees and other expenses are deducted from the gross settlement amount.

The settlement administrator believes there are about 98 prospective class members; if each of them files a valid claim, each will receive an estimated $10,535.71. However, the final payment amount may be higher or lower depending on the number of claims received.

The deadline to opt out of the settlement was Nov. 7, 2022.

The deadline to object to the settlement is Nov. 23, 2022.

The final approval hearing in the Iowa Barnstormers basketball abuse settlement is scheduled for March 23, 2023.

The deadline to file a claim is March 23, 2023.

Who’s Eligible

Anyone affiliated with a Barnstormers Basketball Inc. and “fell victim to Greg Stephen’s illicit acts of secretly procuring nude images and/or recordings of minors” between 2005 and 04/05/2018

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

No proof of purchase applicable

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

03/23/2023

Case Name

John Doe, and all others similarly situated v. Barnstormers Basketball Inc, Case No. 3:20- CV-5-SHL, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, Davenport Division

Final Hearing

03/23/2023

Settlement Website

BarnstormerSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Doe v. Barnstormers
c/o Atticus Administration
PO Box 64053
St. Paul, MN 55164
barnstormersettlement@atticusadmin.com
800-364-4018

Class Counsel

Guy R Cook
GREFE & SIDNEY PLC

Defense Counsel

Martha L Shaff
BETTY NEUMAN & MCMAHON PLC