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)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
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 Aug. 19, 2025, 2:02 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

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)

Feb. 10, 2021

Feb. 10, 2021

Clearinghouse
2

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)

Feb. 10, 2021

Feb. 10, 2021

PACER
3

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)

Feb. 10, 2021

Feb. 10, 2021

PACER
4

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

Feb. 10, 2021

Feb. 10, 2021

PACER
5

(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)

Feb. 10, 2021

Feb. 10, 2021

PACER
6

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)

Feb. 11, 2021

Feb. 11, 2021

PACER
7

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)

Feb. 12, 2021

Feb. 12, 2021

PACER

Order on Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice

Feb. 12, 2021

Feb. 12, 2021

PACER
8

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)

March 18, 2021

March 18, 2021

PACER
9

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

March 19, 2021

March 19, 2021

PACER
10

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)

March 19, 2021

March 19, 2021

PACER
11

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)

March 22, 2021

March 22, 2021

PACER
12

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)

April 8, 2021

April 8, 2021

PACER
13

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)

April 8, 2021

April 8, 2021

PACER
14

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)

April 8, 2021

April 8, 2021

PACER
15

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)

April 8, 2021

April 8, 2021

PACER
16

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)

April 8, 2021

April 8, 2021

PACER
17

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

April 8, 2021

April 8, 2021

PACER
18

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

April 9, 2021

April 9, 2021

PACER
19

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

April 9, 2021

April 9, 2021

PACER
20

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

April 9, 2021

April 9, 2021

Clearinghouse
21

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

April 9, 2021

April 9, 2021

PACER
22

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

April 9, 2021

April 9, 2021

PACER
23

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)

April 12, 2021

April 12, 2021

PACER
24

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)

April 12, 2021

April 12, 2021

PACER
25

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)

April 12, 2021

April 12, 2021

PACER
26

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)

April 12, 2021

April 12, 2021

PACER
27

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)

April 12, 2021

April 12, 2021

PACER
28

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)

April 12, 2021

April 12, 2021

PACER
29

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

April 13, 2021

April 13, 2021

PACER
30

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)

April 15, 2021

April 15, 2021

PACER

Order on Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice

April 15, 2021

April 15, 2021

PACER
31

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)

April 20, 2021

April 20, 2021

PACER
32

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)

April 23, 2021

April 23, 2021

PACER
33

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)

April 23, 2021

April 23, 2021

PACER
34

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)

April 23, 2021

April 23, 2021

PACER
35

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)

April 23, 2021

April 23, 2021

PACER
36

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)

April 23, 2021

April 23, 2021

PACER
37

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

April 26, 2021

April 26, 2021

PACER
38

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

April 26, 2021

April 26, 2021

PACER
39

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)

April 28, 2021

April 28, 2021

PACER
40

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)

April 28, 2021

April 28, 2021

PACER
45

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

April 28, 2021

April 28, 2021

PACER
41

(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)

April 29, 2021

April 29, 2021

PACER
42

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)

April 29, 2021

April 29, 2021

PACER
43

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

April 29, 2021

April 29, 2021

PACER
44

(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)

April 29, 2021

April 29, 2021

PACER
46

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

April 30, 2021

April 30, 2021

PACER
47

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

April 30, 2021

April 30, 2021

Clearinghouse
48

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)

June 29, 2021

June 29, 2021

PACER
49

(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)

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2021

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2021

PACER
50

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

July 30, 2021

July 30, 2021

PACER
51

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)

Aug. 10, 2021

Aug. 10, 2021

PACER
52

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)

Aug. 11, 2021

Aug. 11, 2021

PACER
53

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

Aug. 11, 2021

Aug. 11, 2021

PACER
54

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

Aug. 13, 2021

Aug. 13, 2021

PACER
55

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

Dec. 27, 2021

Dec. 27, 2021

PACER
56

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

Dec. 27, 2021

Dec. 27, 2021

PACER
57

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

Dec. 27, 2021

Dec. 27, 2021

PACER
58

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

Dec. 27, 2021

Dec. 27, 2021

PACER
59

(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)

Jan. 24, 2022

Jan. 24, 2022

PACER
60

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)

Feb. 8, 2022

Feb. 8, 2022

PACER
61

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

Feb. 8, 2022

Feb. 8, 2022

PACER
62

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

Feb. 10, 2022

Feb. 10, 2022

PACER
63

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)

Feb. 10, 2022

Feb. 10, 2022

PACER
64

Order of Distribution of Funds

Aug. 16, 2024

Aug. 16, 2024

PACER

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

USA Wrestling, Non-profit or advocacy

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 law

State Anti-Discrimination Law

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

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)