Case: Nathanson v. USA Wrestling

0:21-cv-00385 | U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

Filed Date: Feb. 10, 2021

Closed Date: Feb. 11, 2022

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

The Minnesota Disability Law Center, the state’s protection and advocacy system, initiated this suit on behalf of a minor and his parent against USA Wrestling and Minnesota USA Wrestling ("USA Wrestling") on February 10, 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, due to Defendants’ refusal to provide plaintiff with qualified sign language interpreters at wrestling competitions and meetings. Defendants’ actions have made it impossible for Plaintiffs to equally and safely part…

The Minnesota Disability Law Center, the state’s protection and advocacy system, initiated this suit on behalf of a minor and his parent against USA Wrestling and Minnesota USA Wrestling ("USA Wrestling") on February 10, 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, due to Defendants’ refusal to provide plaintiff with qualified sign language interpreters at wrestling competitions and meetings. Defendants’ actions have made it impossible for Plaintiffs to equally and safely participate in the ongoing wrestling season. Plaintiff filed suit under (1) the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), 42 U.S.C. § 12181, et seq (2) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794 (“Rehab Act”); (3) Minnesota Human Rights Act (“MHRA”), Minn. Stat. §363A.11, et seq.

Plaintiffs sought a preliminary injunction requiring USA Wrestling to immediately provide American Sign Language (“ASL”) interpreters for all of their meetings, trainings, and tournaments. Judge Susan Richard Nelson presided. On April 9, 2021, plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking immediate appointment of ASL interpreters. Shortly thereafter, on April 12, 2021 the parties held a settlement conference while litigation continued. 

The case was settled on April 30, 2021. The court approved a minor settlement agreement on February 11, 2022 and there are no further docket entries after that date.

Summary Authors

NDRN (12/27/2023)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59250370/parties/nathanson-v-united-states-of-america-wrestling-association-inc/


Judge(s)

Nelson, Susan Richard (Minnesota)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Macpherson, Roderick J (Minnesota)

Attorney for Defendant

Behrendt, Louise A (Minnesota)

Hess, Stephen A (Minnesota)

Muscoplat, Joel M (Minnesota)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

0:21-cv-00385

Complaint Jury Trial Demanded

Nathanson v USA Wrestling, et al

Feb. 10, 2021

Feb. 10, 2021

Complaint
20

0:21-cv-00385

Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Plaintiffs' Motion For Preliminary Injunction

Nathanson v USA Wrestling, et al

April 9, 2021

April 9, 2021

Pleading / Motion / Brief
47

0:21-cv-00385

Order

Nathanson v USA Wrestling, et al

April 30, 2021

April 30, 2021

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59250370/nathanson-v-united-states-of-america-wrestling-association-inc/

Last updated March 24, 2026, 5:11 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Feb. 10, 2021

COMPLAINT against All Defendants (filing fee $ 402, receipt number BMNDC-8479768) filed by David Nathanson. Filer requests summons issued. (Macpherson, Roderick) (Entered: 02/10/2021)

Clearinghouse
2 Feb. 10, 2021

CIVIL COVER SHEET re 1 Complaint filed by filed by David Nathanson. (Macpherson, Roderick) Modified text on 2/10/2021 (CLK). (Entered: 02/10/2021)

RECAP
3 Feb. 10, 2021

TEXT ONLY ENTRY: CLERK'S NOTICE OF INITIAL CASE ASSIGNMENT. Case assigned to Judge Eric C. Tostrud per 3rd, 4th - Civil Rights: Housing/Accommodations, ADA Other list, referred to Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz. Please use case number 21-cv-385 ECT/DTS. (kt) (Entered: 02/10/2021)

RECAP
4 Feb. 10, 2021

Summons Issued as to Minnesota United States of America Wrestling Inc., United States of America Wrestling Association, Inc.. (kt) (Entered: 02/10/2021)

RECAP
5 Feb. 10, 2021

(Text-Only): Notice re: Non-Admitted AttorneyWe have received documents listing Andrew Rozynski as counsel of record. If he or she wishes to be listed as an attorney of record in this case, he or she must be admitted to the bar of the U.S. District Court of Minnesota in accordance with Local Rule 83.5 (a), (b) and (c) or temporarily admitted pro hac vice in accordance with Local Rule 83.5 (d) or (e).For more admissions information and forms, please see the Attorney Forms Section of the courts website at www.mnd.uscourts.gov/forms/all-forms. (kt) (Entered: 02/10/2021)

RECAP
6 Feb. 11, 2021

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Andrew Rozynski. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AMNDC-8483134 filed by David Nathanson. (Macpherson, Roderick) (Entered: 02/11/2021)

RECAP
7 Feb. 12, 2021

TEXT ONLY ENTRY: ORDER granting 6 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Attorney Andrew Rozynski for David Nathanson. Approved by Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz on 2/12/2021. (NAH) (Entered: 02/12/2021)

RECAP
Feb. 12, 2021

Order on Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice

8 March 18, 2021

SUMMONS Returned Executed by David Nathanson. United States of America Wrestling Association, Inc. served on 3/5/2021, answer due 3/26/2021. (Rozynski, Andrew) (Entered: 03/18/2021)

RECAP
9 March 19, 2021

SUMMONS Returned Executed by David Nathanson. (Macpherson, Roderick) (Entered: 03/19/2021)

RECAP
10 March 19, 2021

SUMMONS Returned Executed by David Nathanson. Minnesota United States of America Wrestling Inc. served on 2/20/2021, answer due 3/15/2021. (Macpherson, Roderick) Modified text on 3/22/2021 (KDS). (Entered: 03/19/2021)

RECAP
11 March 22, 2021

ORDER OF RECUSAL. Judge Eric C. Tostrud recused. Case reassigned to Judge Susan Richard Nelson for all further proceedings. NOTE: the new case number is 21-cv-385 SRN/DTS. Please use this case number for all subsequent pleadings Signed by Judge Eric C. Tostrud on 3/22/2021.(kt) (Entered: 03/22/2021)

RECAP
12 April 8, 2021

NOTICE of Appearance by Joel M Muscoplat on behalf of Minnesota United States of America Wrestling Inc., United States of America Wrestling Association, Inc.. (Muscoplat, Joel) (Entered: 04/08/2021)

RECAP
13 April 8, 2021

NOTICE of Appearance by Louise Behrendt on behalf of Minnesota United States of America Wrestling Inc., United States of America Wrestling Association, Inc.. (Muscoplat, Joel) Modified text on 4/9/2021 (kt). (Entered: 04/08/2021)

RECAP
14 April 8, 2021

RULE 7.1 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. There is no parent corporation, publicly held corporation or wholly-owned subsidiary to report for Defendant United States of America Wrestling Association, Inc.. (Muscoplat, Joel) (Entered: 04/08/2021)

RECAP
15 April 8, 2021

RULE 7.1 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. There is no parent corporation, publicly held corporation or wholly-owned subsidiary to report for Defendant Minnesota United States of America Wrestling Inc.. (Muscoplat, Joel) (Entered: 04/08/2021)

RECAP
16 April 8, 2021

STIPULATION re 1 Complaint (Extend Time to Answer or Otherwise Respond) by Minnesota United States of America Wrestling Inc., United States of America Wrestling Association, Inc.. Jointly Signed by David Nathanson. (Muscoplat, Joel) (Entered: 04/08/2021)

RECAP
17 April 8, 2021

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 16 Stipulation. (Muscoplat, Joel) (Entered: 04/08/2021)

RECAP
18 April 9, 2021

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by David Nathanson. (Rozynski, Andrew) (Entered: 04/09/2021)

RECAP
19 April 9, 2021

NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION 18 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction : Date and time to be determined. (Rozynski, Andrew) (Entered: 04/09/2021)

RECAP
20 April 9, 2021

MEMORANDUM in Support re 18 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by David Nathanson. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Rozynski, Andrew) (Entered: 04/09/2021)

1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate

View on PACER

Clearinghouse
21 April 9, 2021

AFFIDAVIT of David Nathanson in SUPPORT OF 18 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by David Nathanson.(Rozynski, Andrew) (Entered: 04/09/2021)

RECAP
22 April 9, 2021

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 18 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by David Nathanson.(Rozynski, Andrew) (Entered: 04/09/2021)

RECAP
23 April 12, 2021

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Stephen A. Hess. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AMNDC-8675272 filed by Minnesota United States of America Wrestling Inc., United States of America Wrestling Association, Inc.. (Behrendt, Louise) (Entered: 04/12/2021)

RECAP
24 April 12, 2021

EXHIBIT Exhibit 1 of Nathanson Affidavit - E-mail Exchanges re 21 Affidavit in Support of Motion filed by David Nathanson.(Rozynski, Andrew) (Entered: 04/12/2021)

RECAP
25 April 12, 2021

NOTICE OF SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE: Confidential Letter to Court due by 4/21/2021. Parties are directed to Meet and Confer by 4/21/2021. Settlement Conference set for 4/28/2021 at 09:00 AM before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz. (TJB) (Entered: 04/12/2021)

RECAP
26 April 12, 2021

ORDER on 16 Stipulation. Minnesota United States of America Wrestling Inc. answer due 4/20/2021; United States of America Wrestling Association, Inc. answer due 4/20/2021. Signed by Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz on 4/12/2021. (TJB) (Entered: 04/12/2021)

RECAP
27 April 12, 2021

BRIEFING ORDER re: 18 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. See Order for dates and details. Response due by 4/23/2021. Reply, if any, due by 4/28/2021. Motion Hearing set for 4/30/2021 at 10:00 AM via Video Conference (no courtroom) before Judge Susan Richard Nelson. Counsel will be emailed instructions to join the hearing. Signed by Judge Susan Richard Nelson on 4/12/2021.(SMD) (Entered: 04/12/2021)

RECAP
28 April 12, 2021

FILED IN ERROR. NO DOCUMENT ATTACHED. NOTICE of Interpreter Confirmation - Patty Mccutcheon has been confirmed for 9:00 AM on 4/28/2021 (TJB) Modified text on 4/13/2021 (CLK). (Entered: 04/12/2021)

RECAP
29 April 13, 2021

NOTICE of Interpreter Confirmation - Patty McCutcheon has been confirmed for 9:00 AM on 4/28/2021 (TJB) (Entered: 04/13/2021)

RECAP
30 April 15, 2021

TEXT ONLY ENTRY: ORDER granting 23 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Attorney Stephen A Hess for Minnesota United States of America Wrestling Inc. and for United States of America Wrestling Association, Inc. Approved by Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz on 4/15/2021. (NAH) (Entered: 04/15/2021)

RECAP
April 15, 2021

Order on Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice

31 April 20, 2021

ANSWER to Complaint filed by Minnesota United States of America Wrestling Inc., United States of America Wrestling Association, Inc.. (Muscoplat, Joel) (Entered: 04/20/2021)

RECAP
32 April 23, 2021

NOTICE of Interpreter Confirmation - Patty McCutcheon has been confirmed for the hearing on Plainitff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction scheduled for 10:00 AM on 4/30/2021. (SMD) (Entered: 04/23/2021)

RECAP
33 April 23, 2021

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 18 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Minnesota United States of America Wrestling Inc., United States of America Wrestling Association, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Muscoplat, Joel) (Entered: 04/23/2021)

RECAP
34 April 23, 2021

AFFIDAVIT of Nicholas Lyden in OPPOSITION TO 18 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Minnesota United States of America Wrestling Inc., United States of America Wrestling Association, Inc..(Muscoplat, Joel) (Entered: 04/23/2021)

RECAP
35 April 23, 2021

AFFIDAVIT of Tony Black in OPPOSITION TO 18 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Minnesota United States of America Wrestling Inc., United States of America Wrestling Association, Inc..(Muscoplat, Joel) (Entered: 04/23/2021)

RECAP
36 April 23, 2021

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 18 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Minnesota United States of America Wrestling Inc., United States of America Wrestling Association, Inc..(Muscoplat, Joel) (Entered: 04/23/2021)

RECAP
37 April 26, 2021

NOTICE of Interpreter Confirmation - James Beldon has been confirmed for 9:00 AM on 4/28/2021 (TJB) (Entered: 04/26/2021)

RECAP
38 April 26, 2021

NOTICE of Interpreter Confirmation - Quincy Craft Faber has been confirmed for 9:00 AM on 4/28/2021 (TJB) (Entered: 04/26/2021)

RECAP
39 April 28, 2021

REPLY re 33 Memorandum in Opposition to Motion, filed by David Nathanson. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Rozynski, Andrew) (Entered: 04/28/2021)

RECAP
40 April 28, 2021

EXHIBIT List re 39 Reply filed by David Nathanson. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) 2- Tax Document, # 2 Exhibit(s) 3- E-mail Between Tom Kusie, # 3 Exhibit(s) 4- E-mail Between Tony Black, # 4 Exhibit(s) 5- ASL Eagles Interpreter Invoices)(Rozynski, Andrew) (Entered: 04/28/2021)

RECAP
45 April 28, 2021

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz: Settlement Conference held on 4/28/2021. (TJB) (Entered: 04/30/2021)

RECAP
41 April 29, 2021

(Text-Only) NOTICE of Cancelation of Hearing: The April 30, 2021 hearing on 18 Motion for Preliminary Injunction IS CANCELED. (SMD) (Entered: 04/29/2021)

RECAP
42 April 29, 2021

NOTICE of Interpreter Confirmation of Cancellation. Patty McCutcheon's ASL interpretation services have been cancelled for 10:00 AM on 4/30/2021. (SMD) (Entered: 04/29/2021)

RECAP
43 April 29, 2021

NOTICE of Interpreter Confirmation - Patty McCutcheon has been confirmed for 9:30 AM on 4/30/2021 (TJB) (Entered: 04/29/2021)

RECAP
44 April 29, 2021

(Text-Only) NOTICE TO ATTORNEY: Video Conference set for 4/30/21 at 9:30AM (CT) before Mag. Judge Schultz. (TJB) (Entered: 04/29/2021)

RECAP
46 April 30, 2021

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz: Settlement Conference held on 4/30/2021. (TJB) (Entered: 04/30/2021)

RECAP
47 April 30, 2021

ORDER DISMISSING CASE Signed by Judge Susan Richard Nelson on 4/30/2021.(SMD) (Entered: 04/30/2021)

Clearinghouse
48 June 29, 2021

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Submit and File a Stipulated Form of Final Judgment filed by David Nathanson. (Rozynski, Andrew) (Entered: 06/29/2021)

RECAP
49 June 30, 2021

(Text-only) ORDER granting 48 Motion for Extension of Time to Submit and File a Stipulated Form of Final Judgment. The parties shall file a stipulated form of final judgment by July 30, 2021. Signed by Judge Susan Richard Nelson on 6/30/2021. (avt) (Entered: 06/30/2021)

RECAP
June 30, 2021

Order on Motion for Extension of Time

50 July 30, 2021

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Finalize the Settlement filed by David Nathanson. (Rozynski, Andrew) (Entered: 07/30/2021)

RECAP
51 Aug. 10, 2021

REQUEST for an Expedited Daily Transcript (by 8am following day) of a Digital Audio Recording. ATTENTION: This is a ***SEALED*** proceeding. Copies of this recording provided to parties and/or sent to transcribers are to be clearly identified as SEALED, and any transcript or MP3 audio file produced is to be filed under seal. (NAH) (Entered: 08/10/2021)

RECAP
52 Aug. 11, 2021

RESTRICTED TRANSCRIPT of Settlement Conference held on 04/30/2021 before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz. (56 pages). Transcriber: Carla Bebault. For a copy of the transcript, please file a Transcript Request under Other Filings/Other Documents. (CRB) (Entered: 08/11/2021)

RECAP
53 Aug. 11, 2021

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST for a COPY OF 52 Transcript(s) to Court Reporter Carla Bebault. (NAH) (Entered: 08/11/2021)

RECAP
54 Aug. 13, 2021

NOTICE by David Nathanson of Filing of the Settlement Agreement (Rozynski, Andrew) (Entered: 08/13/2021)

RECAP
55 Dec. 27, 2021

SEALED Petition to Approve Minor Settlement Agreement by Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s))(Macpherson, Roderick) (Entered: 12/27/2021)

RECAP
56 Dec. 27, 2021

Redacted Document for 55 Petition to Approve Minor Settlement Agreement . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s))(Macpherson, Roderick) (Entered: 12/27/2021)

RECAP
57 Dec. 27, 2021

SEALED PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re Petition to Approval Minor Settlement Agreement 55 Sealed Document by Plaintiffs. (Macpherson, Roderick) (Entered: 12/27/2021)

RECAP
58 Dec. 27, 2021

Redacted Document for 56 Redacted Proposed Order to Petition to Approve Minor Settlement Agreement . (Macpherson, Roderick) (Entered: 12/27/2021)

RECAP
59 Jan. 24, 2022

(Text-Only) NOTICE: Hearing set for 2/10/2022 at 9:30 AM via Video Conference (no courtroom) before Judge Susan Richard Nelson re: 55 SEALED Petition to Approve Minor Settlement Agreement by Plaintiffs. (SMD) (Entered: 01/24/2022)

RECAP
60 Feb. 8, 2022

FILED IN ERROR - NOTICE of Interpreter Confirmation - Patty McCutcheon has been confirmed for 9:30 AM on 2/10/2022 (SMD) Modified text on 2/8/2022 (KDS). (Entered: 02/08/2022)

RECAP
61 Feb. 8, 2022

NOTICE of Interpreter Confirmation - Patty McCutcheon has been confirmed for 9:30 AM on 2/8/2022 (SMD) (Entered: 02/08/2022)

RECAP
62 Feb. 10, 2022

SEALED ORDER TO APPROVE MINOR SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT Signed by Judge Susan Richard Nelson on 2/10/2022. (SMD) (Entered: 02/10/2022)

RECAP
63 Feb. 10, 2022

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Susan Richard Nelson: Hearing held on 2/10/2022 re 55 SEALED Petition to Approve Minor Settlement Agreement filed by David Nathanson. (Court Reporter Carla Bebault) (SMD) (Entered: 02/11/2022)

RECAP
64 Aug. 16, 2024

Order of Distribution of Funds

RECAP
65 March 18, 2026

Order of Distribution of Funds

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Minnesota

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: Feb. 10, 2021

Closing Date: Feb. 11, 2022

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Minor plaintiff with hearing disability and parent

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

NDRN/Protection & Advocacy Organizations

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Non-profit or advocacy

USA Wrestling

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act), 29 U.S.C. § 701

State Anti-Discrimination Law

State law

Other Dockets:

District of Minnesota 0:21-cv-00385

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Issues

General/Misc.:

Access to public accommodations - privately owned

Juveniles

Disability and Disability Rights:

Hearing impairment

Reasonable Accommodations

Discrimination Basis:

Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)

Recommended Citation