Former CMU men's basketball player sues university, alleges 14th Amendment violation
Central Michigan University junior guard Damarion Bonds brings energy to the crowd after scoring two three pointers back to back in McGuirk Arena, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. (CM Life | Jasmine Brookins)
On March 31, 2025, former CMU men's basketball player Damarion Bonds filed a lawsuit against Central Michigan University, alleging that the school violated the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
The Fourteenth Amendment ensures an individual's protection under the law is equal to that of all other citizens, and guarantees that states and institutions provide due process.
The lawsuit lists Central Michigan University, as well as Bonds' former school, Rochester Christian University, as the alleged defendants.
Individual defendants listed in the lawsuit include Scott E. Samuels (Student Life coordinator at Rochester Christian University), Thomas H. Idema Jr. (director of Student Conduct at CMU), and Mary Martinez (Title IX coordinator at CMU).
The lawsuit comes after Bonds' sudden absence from the basketball team. He was not seen on the CMU bench following the team's Feb 4. contest with Miami (Ohio).
At the time of Bonds' suspension in February, Central Michigan athletics declined to comment on his absence.
This is a developing story. Check back with cm-life.com for updates.
