GREENSBORO, N.C. — Representatives of a former North Carolina football player’s estate are suing the Atlantic Coast Conference and the NCAA, saying they ignored the dangers of concussions and it led to Ryan Hoffman’s death.

Sandra LaMountain and Noah Hoffman brought the 39-page lawsuit on behalf of Ryan Hoffman’s estate and filed it Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Greensboro.

They allege negligence, breach of express contract and unjust enrichment. They argue that both groups failed to protect and promote the safety and well-being of the players, and breached a contract with the players by failing to properly educate and warn them of the long-term risks of concussions.

They request class-action status and a jury trial, and seek damages that include past, present and future medical expenses, lost future earnings and other out-of-pocket expenses.

NCAA spokeswoman Stacey Osburn said the organization had no comment and has not received the lawsuit. ACC spokeswoman Amy Yakola said the conference’s policy is to decline comment on ongoing litigation.

Ryan Hoffman, an offensive lineman for North Carolina in the 1990s, died in November 2016 at age 41 when he rode his bike into traffic and was struck by a car. Doctors who later analyzed his brain found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain disease found in people who’ve suffered repetitive brain trauma such as concussions.

ARKANSAS: The school fired Athletic Director Jeff Long on Wednesday, ending a nearly decade-long tenure that included the scandalous ouster of football coach Bobby Petrino and the continued mediocrity of the program under Bret Bielema.

The College Football Playoff selection committee member, formerly the chairman, was under contract through June 2022. Arkansas Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz said the university would honor the provisions in Long’s contract, meaning the school could owe him more than $5 million by firing him.

Playoff Executive Director Bill Hancock said he invited Long to remain a member of the selection committee for the rest of his term through the end of this season – an invitation Long accepted.

The firing comes at a time of turmoil for the football program, which is 29-32 in five seasons under Bielema, including a mark of 11-27 in the Southeastern Conference.

AWARDS: Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith, Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver, Iowa linebacker Josey Jewell and North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb are the finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given to the nation’s top defensive player.

The finalists were named Wednesday. The winner will be announced Dec. 4.

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