Opinion
Case No. 5:20-cv-01733-EJD
2020-09-03
Erin ALDRICH, et al., Plaintiffs, v. NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, et al., Defendants.
Elizabeth A. Fegan, Pro Hac Vice, Fegan Scott LLC, Chicago, IL, Annika K. Martin, Rhea Ghosh, Lieff Cabraser Heimann and Bernstein, LLP, New York, NY, Lynn Ellenberger, Pro Hac Vice, Fegan Scott LLC, Pittsburgh, PA, Jonathan David Selbin, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP, San Francisco, CA, for Plaintiffs Erin Aldrich, Londa Bevins, Jessica Johnson. Elizabeth A. Fegan, Fegan Scott LLC, Chicago, IL, for Plaintiff Beata Corcoran. Carolyn Hoecker Luedtke, Terra Dawn Castillo Laughton, Munger, Tolles Olson LLP, San Francisco, CA, Ariel Tal Teshuva, Glenn Douglas Pomerantz, Lauren M. Harding, Munger Tolles & Olson LLP, Hailyn Jennifer Chen, Attorney at Law, Los Angeles, CA, for Defendants National Collegiate Athletic Association, Board of Governors of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Howard Lee Jacobs, Lindsay Scott Brandon, Law Offices of Howard L. Jacobs, Westlake Village, CA, for Defendant John Rembao.
Elizabeth A. Fegan, Pro Hac Vice, Fegan Scott LLC, Chicago, IL, Annika K. Martin, Rhea Ghosh, Lieff Cabraser Heimann and Bernstein, LLP, New York, NY, Lynn Ellenberger, Pro Hac Vice, Fegan Scott LLC, Pittsburgh, PA, Jonathan David Selbin, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP, San Francisco, CA, for Plaintiffs Erin Aldrich, Londa Bevins, Jessica Johnson.
Elizabeth A. Fegan, Fegan Scott LLC, Chicago, IL, for Plaintiff Beata Corcoran.
Carolyn Hoecker Luedtke, Terra Dawn Castillo Laughton, Munger, Tolles Olson LLP, San Francisco, CA, Ariel Tal Teshuva, Glenn Douglas Pomerantz, Lauren M. Harding, Munger Tolles & Olson LLP, Hailyn Jennifer Chen, Attorney at Law, Los Angeles, CA, for Defendants National Collegiate Athletic Association, Board of Governors of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Howard Lee Jacobs, Lindsay Scott Brandon, Law Offices of Howard L. Jacobs, Westlake Village, CA, for Defendant John Rembao.
ORDER GRANTING NCAA DEFENDANTS’ MOTION TO DISMISS; DENYING DEFENDANT REMBAO'S MOTION TO DISMISS
Re: Dkt. Nos. 55, 58
EDWARD J. DAVILA, United States District Judge
The seriousness of the issue before the Court cannot be overstated. In recent years, it has become clear that sexual assault on college campuses is a pervasive problem. Of course, as Larry Nassar demonstrated, sexual assault on college campuses is not limited to peer-to-peer assault; it also occurs between coaches and their athletes. This case focuses on that latter type of sexual assault and addresses the National Collegiate Athletic Association's ("NCAA") responsibility (if any) to prevent sexual misconduct by collegiate coaches. Defendants NCAA and the Board of Governors argue that this Court lacks personal jurisdiction over them and thus cannot determine the scope of the NCAA's responsibility. Defendant John Rembao maintains that Plaintiffs claims are time-barred by the relevant statutes of limitation. Having considered the Parties’ papers and having had the benefit of oral argument on September 3, 2020, the Court agrees with Defendants NCAA and the Board of Governors that personal jurisdiction cannot be established in this district. However, the Court disagrees with Defendant Rembao—various tolling doctrines prevent the Court from finding that Plaintiffs’ claims are time-barred. For these reasons, the Court GRANTS Defendants NCAA and the Board of Governors’ motion to dismiss, but TRANSFERS the action to the Southern District of Indiana, and DENIES Defendant Rembao's motion to dismiss.
I. BACKGROUND
A. Factual Background
1. Plaintiff Erin Aldrich
Plaintiff Erin Aldrich was a gifted high-jumper and volleyball player who dreamed of becoming an Olympian. See First Amended Complaint ("FAC") ¶¶ 147–49, Dkt. 54. Because of her skill, Plaintiff Aldrich was invited to attend the Junior Elite Development Camps in Colorado Springs. Id. ¶ 149. It was there that she met Defendant Rembao, who was known as the "high jump guru." Id. ¶¶ 149–50. At first, their relationship was normal; Defendant Rembao would counsel Plaintiff Aldrich about training and they would discuss her dreams and aspirations. See id. ¶ 151. But, as time passed, their relationship became more sinister. After Plaintiff Aldrich committed to the University of Arizona—where Defendant Rembao coached track and field—on a volleyball scholarship (with a plan to also train for the high jump), Defendant Rembao began calling Plaintiff Aldrich nightly and would ask her non-sports related questions. Id. ¶ 153. Defendant Rembao would also send Plaintiff Aldridge unsolicited gifts and would comment on her senior pictures, telling her which one was his favorite and why, and telling her she looked "super sexy." Id. ¶¶ 152, 154–55.
Eventually, Defendant Rembao physically forced himself onto Plaintiff Aldrich. Plaintiff Aldrich qualified for a spot to compete for Team USA Track and Field at the World Junior Championships in August 1996. Id. ¶ 159. The competition was in Sydney, Australia. Id. Because Plaintiff Aldrich's high school coach could not attend, her parents paid for Coach Rembao to accompany her. Id. On the plane ride to Australia, Defendant Rembao covered Plaintiff Aldrich with a blanket and fondled her under the blanket. Id. ¶ 160. He then penetrated Plaintiff Aldrich with his fingers and joked that they were members of the "mile high club." Id. ¶ 162. Because she trusted Defendant Rembao, she submitted to the touching. Id. ¶ 161. Defendant Rembao vowed to leave his wife and treated Plaintiff Aldrich as if she were his girlfriend. Id. ¶¶ 162–63.
A physical relationship between Defendant Rembao and Plaintiff Aldrich ensued. Defendant Rembao would have Plaintiff Aldrich over for dinner, where his wife would prepare dinner. Id. ¶ 164. After dinner, Defendant Rembao would give Plaintiff Aldrich massages. Id. He would also perform oral sex on Plaintiff Aldrich at his home (and during road trips for competitions and camps). Id. ¶ 165. In the fall of 1996, during Plaintiff Aldrich's freshman year at Arizona, Aldrich's roommate discovered Coach Rembao in their room with Aldrich. Id. ¶ 170. The roommate reported the incident to University of Arizona officials. Id. ¶ 172. In 1997, Arizona's Athletic Director had a meeting with Plaintiff Aldrich and her parents. The director informed Plaintiff Aldrich and her parents that Defendant Rembao would be moving to University of Texas at Austin ("UT Austin") and asked Plaintiff Aldrich to stay at Arizona for another year. Id. ¶ 173. Ultimately, Plaintiff Aldrich transferred to the University of Texas in the spring of 1998. Id. ¶ 179. Once there, Defendant Rembao again pursued a physical relationship with Plaintiff Aldrich. Id. ¶¶ 180–81. Plaintiff Aldrich ignored Defendant Rembao's advances and kept her distance. Id. ¶ 181. Defendant Rembao then retaliated against Plaintiff Aldrich, which caused her high-jumping performance to suffer. Id. ¶¶ 181–85.
Plaintiff Aldrich maintains that she did not recognize that she had been sexually abused by Defendant Rembao until the end of March or early April 2019. Id. ¶ 186. Plaintiff Aldrich was watching Leaving Neverland , the documentary about young boys who were sexually abused by Michael Jackson under the guise of love, when she realized that she too had been a victim of sexual abuse. Id. ¶¶ 186–87. This realization caused her great stress and pressure and ultimately lead to hospitalization. Id. ¶ 187.
2. Plaintiff Jessica Johnson
Defendant Rembao's alleged abuse did not end with Aldrich. Next came Plaintiff Jessica Johnson, another gifted high jumper. Id. ¶¶ 189–92. Defendant Rembao took an interest in Plaintiff Johnson; he would regularly call her and send her emails. Id. ¶ 195. He would also comment on Plaintiff Johnson's appearance, telling her she had "Miss America looks." Id. ¶¶ 196–97, 199. The conversations also turned to more uncomfortable topics, like Plaintiff Johnson's sexual experiences with other young men. Id. ¶ 201.
Throughout high school, Plaintiff Johnson excelled at track and field and volleyball. UT Austin expressed interest in offering Plaintiff Johnson a volleyball scholarship. Defendant Rembao assured Plaintiff Johnson that she could play both volleyball and track and field at UT Austin. Id. ¶ 202. During Plaintiff Johnson's senior year, she suffered from mononucleosis and dropped from first in state to second. Id. ¶ 203. Because of the mononucleosis, she gained some weight. Id. Defendant Rembao gained Plaintiff Johnson's trust by remaining supportive of and personal with Plaintiff Johnson during this time. Id. Ultimately, Plaintiff Johnson committed to UT Austin and was set to start as a freshman in the fall of 1999. Id. ¶¶ 204–05.
Before the semester started, Defendant Rembao invited Plaintiff Johnson to his home for dinner. Id. ¶ 206. During dinner, they discussed her work-outs and she explained that she had been lifting heavy weights that made her legs sore. Id. After dinner, Defendant Rembao told Plaintiff Johnson to go into the living room and lay down on the floor so he could work on her legs. Id. ¶ 207. She complied. Id. ¶ 208. He pushed Plaintiff Johnson's running shorts and the built-in underwear inside the shorts up so that her buttocks were fully exposed. Id. ¶ 209. He then massaged her inner thighs and buttocks. Id. In another incident at his home, she complained of a stomachache. Id. ¶ 210. Defendant Rembao proceeded to rub Plaintiff Johnson's stomach under her shirt with his wife present. Id.
Defendant Rembao would keep track of Plaintiff Johnson's whereabouts by calling her dorm room most nights. Id. ¶ 212. On one occasion, Plaintiff Johnson went out on a date, which Defendant Rembao discovered when he called Johnson's room. Id. ¶ 213. Defendant Rembao refused to speak to or give Plaintiff Johnson workouts for a week. Id. Defendant Rembao told her he was jealous and ostracized her from the team. Id.
Defendant Rembao would sometimes call Plaintiff Johnson into his office, where he would give her long and uncomfortable hugs. Id. ¶ 215. At other times, he would give her long and intimate back rubs or would cup her face and rub his thumbs over her cheeks and jaw. Id. For example, on January 21, 2000, Defendant Rembao called Plaintiff Johnson into his office. Id. ¶ 217. He gave her a full hug, licked her neck, and told her she tasted "salty." Id. ¶ 218.
In February 19, 2000, during the Oklahoma Invitational, Defendant Rembao called Plaintiff Johnson into his hotel room. Id. ¶ 220. He had her sit on the bed; he pushed her backwards so that she was laying down. Id. He then reached under her shirt and under her shorts. Id. She panicked, feigned sleep, and then left the room. Id.
During the indoor track season, Plaintiff Johnson suffered an ankle injury and could not participate in the remainder of the season. Id. ¶ 222. On March 5, 2020, she told Defendant Rembao that she was resigning from team and that she planned to transfer schools. Id. ¶¶ 224, 227. Fifteen days later, on March 20, 2020, she awoke to find Defendant Rembao in her dorm room. Id. ¶ 227. He allegedly pulled back the blankets to look at her injured foot. Id. Defendant Rembao then proceeded to tell Plaintiff Johnson that he missed her. Id. ¶ 229. He began kissing her ankle and hugged her and rubbed her back. Id.
Plaintiff Johnson transferred to University of Arkansas. Id. ¶ 236. In the Spring of 2003, during an indoor track meet in Oklahoma, Plaintiff saw Defendant Rembao, who was then coaching at Southern Methodist University. Id. ¶ 240. She saw Defendant Rembao again in June 2003 at the NCAA championships in Sacramento, California. Id. ¶ 242. He filmed her while she competed and later sent her a binder containing an analysis of her jumps. Id. ¶¶ 242, 244.
Before transferring, Plaintiff Johnson filed a formal complaint with UT Austin regarding Defendant Rembao on August 9, 2000. Id. ¶¶ 300, 330. Plaintiff Johnson identified Plaintiff Bevins as a witness who could support the allegations. Id. While Plaintiff Bevins was at the University of Arkansas, see infra , a lawyer for UT Austin interviewed her. Id. ¶ 301. During this interview, Plaintiff Bevins had a hard time explaining the abuse she suffered. Id. ¶ 302. The attorney attempted to cast doubt on her claims and led her to believe that she did not have a claim and that Defendant Rembao's conduct was not abusive. Id.
On November 21, 2000, UT Austin issued its final report regarding Plaintiff Johnson's allegations ("UT Austin Report"). Id. ¶ 331. The Report dismissed Plaintiff Johnsons’ allegations. For example, Plaintiff Johnson complained about Defendant Rembao giving her a massage on her upper thighs and gluteus. Id. ¶ 333. Defendant Rembao did not deny doing this. In fact, he admitted to giving Plaintiff Johnson massages even though such massages were not allowed. Id. This report, which exonerated Defendant Rembao, communicated to Plaintiffs Johnson and Bevins that their allegations were not believable and that they did not have a claim. Id. ¶ 339.
In October 2019, after realizing that Defendant Rembao had sexually abused her, Plaintiff Aldrich called Plaintiff Johnson. Id. ¶ 340. At this point, Plaintiff Johnson learned that Defendant Rembao had abused other women. Id. ¶ 341. Plaintiff Johnson then called Plaintiff Bevins to advise her of Plaintiff Aldrich's call. Id. ¶ 342.
3. Plaintiff Londa Bevins
The last plaintiff alleged to have been assaulted by Defendant Rembao is Plaintiff Londa Bevins. During her sophomore year in high school, Defendant Rembao began calling Plaintiff Bevins’ to recruit her for the cross-country and track and field teams at UT Austin. Id. ¶ 248. Plaintiff Bevins committed to UT Austin in November 1998 on a full scholarship for cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track. Id. ¶ 250.
Almost immediately, Defendant Rembao began psychologically abusing Plaintiff Bevins. He would tell her she "wasted her summer," that she should leave UT Austin, and that he was going to take away her scholarship. Id. ¶¶ 261–62. He would yell at and belittle Plaintiff Bevins in front of others. Id. ¶ 266. Because of her "poor performance," Plaintiff Bevins had to have meetings with Defendant Rembao in his office. Id. ¶ 267. Defendant Rembao would move his chair with his legs spread apart toward Plaintiff Bevins. He would wrap his arms around her in a long embrace and rub his erection on her. Id. ¶ 269. Sometimes he would touch her hair, kiss her head, hair, and neck, and tell her she had nice legs, while touching and rubbing them inappropriately. Id. ¶ 270. He would then rub her shoulders and ask her, "What was going on?" and tell her that he liked her very much and that she was special. Id. ¶ 271. These meetings spanned nearly the entire academic year that Plaintiff Bevins attended UT Austin. Id. ¶ 273.
In January 2000, Plaintiff Bevins had to take the Texas Academic Skills Program test. Id. ¶ 277. Defendant Rembao insisted on driving her. Through the 30-minute car ride, Rembao put his hand on Plaintiff Bevins’ thigh and attempted to touch her genitals. Id. ¶ 278. He commented on her legs, telling her they were "really sexy," and told Plaintiff Bevins that if she were younger, he would "definitely date" someone like her. Id.
Due to the constant belittling and ongoing sexual abuse, Plaintiff Bevins quit the track and field team. Id. ¶ 295. Around this time, Plaintiff Bevins and Plaintiff Johnson ran into each other. Id. ¶ 223. Plaintiff Bevins was crying. The two began to talk and they realized that Defendant Rembao was abusing them and others on the team. Id. The decided that they both needed to transfer.
Plaintiff Bevins transferred to the University of Arkansas. Id. ¶ 298. She routinely saw Defendant Rembao at meets. Id. ¶ 303. For example, she saw him at the NCAA DI Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Sacramento, California. Id. ¶ 304. At this meet, Defendant Rembao told her that he was the reason for her success. Id.
4. Common Allegations Among Plaintiffs Aldrich, Johnson, and Bevins
Plaintiffs Aldrich, Johnson, and Bevins maintain that Defendant Rembao first gained their trust by acting as a confidant or support system during a difficult time. See, e.g. , id. ¶ 252. Once he gained their trust, he began controlling their diets and dating lives. See, e.g. , id. ¶ 182. He would then began initiating inappropriate interactions with Plaintiffs. Defendant Rembao would tell Plaintiffs that they could not talk about their interactions with him since "trust [was] important to [him]." See, e.g. , id. ¶ 199.
5. Plaintiff Beata Corcoran
Plaintiff Beata Corcoran is a citizen of Washington, D.C., a resident of Princeton, New Jersey, and a citizen of the United States. Id. ¶25. Plaintiff Corcoran is a sophomore at Princeton University, where she is a member of the NCAA Division I Women's Rowing team. Id. There is no allegation that Defendant Rembao coached or abused Plaintiff Corcoran.
6. Defendants
Defendant NCAA is an unincorporated association that is headquartered in Indiana. Id. ¶ 26. Nearly 1,100 schools are NCAA members. Id. ¶ 86. The member institutions adopted the NCAA Constitution which defines the "NCAA's purposes and fundamental policies." Id. ¶ 88. Of importance, the NCAA Constitution provides that the NCAA shall legislate upon "any subject of general concern to the members" and that athletic programs shall be conducted in a manner "designed to protect and enhance the physical and educational wellbeing of student-athletes." Id. ¶¶ 88–89.
Defendant Rembao is a resident of Santa Cruz, California. From 1984 to 1994, Defendant Rembao worked at California Polytechnic State University ("Cal Poly") as the Women's Assistant Track and Field Coach, Men's Assistant Track and Field Coach, and Men's Head Cross-Country Coach. Id. ¶ 30. Defendant Rembao graduated from Cal Poly and was a student-athlete there. While a student-athlete at Cal Poly, he met Sue McNeal. Id. ¶ 31. McNeal was a three-time NCAA All-American in the high jump. Id. Defendant Rembao coached McNeal in the high jump while she trained for the Olympics. He later married McNeal. Id.
Plaintiffs rely on a news article for this information. See FAC ¶ 31 (citing Albert Caruana, Catching up with Santa Cruz High School Coach, John Rembao , Cross Country Express (Feb. 1, 2016), http://www.crosscountryexpress.com/2016/02/catching-up-with-santa-cruz-high-school.html). Plaintiffs misstate the information contained in this news article. The article states that while a student at Cal Poly, Defendant Rembao began dating Sue McNeal. Plaintiffs omit this detail and instead paint the picture that Defendant Rembao began dating McNeal while he was a coach at Cal Poly. The article does not say this; in fact, it says the opposite. Defendant Rembao and McNeal had already begun dating before she graduated. And, only after graduation did Defendant Rembao become McNeal's coach.
B. Procedural History
On July 13, 2020, Plaintiffs filed their First Amended Complaint. See generally FAC. Thereafter, on July 27, 2020, Defendants NCCA and the Board of Governors ("NCAA Defendants") filed a motion to dismiss the FAC. NCAA & Board's Motion to Dismiss ("NCAA MTD"), Dkt. 55. Defendant Rembao also filed a motion to dismiss the FAC. Defendant John Rembao's Notice of Motion and Motion to Dismiss First Amended Complaint ("Rembao MTD"), Dkt. 58. Plaintiffs filed a joint opposition brief to these two motions to dismiss. Plaintiffs’ Response to NCAA and Rembao's Motion to Dismiss the First Amended Complaint ("Opp."), Dkt. 64. On August 17, 2020, NCAA Defendants filed a reply. Defendants NCAA and the Board's Reply Brief ("NCAA Reply"), Dkt. 65. Defendant Rembao also filed a reply brief. Defendant John Rembao's Reply Brief ("Rembao Reply"), Dkt. 67.
NCAA Defendants also filed a request for judicial notice. They want the Court to take notice or incorporate by reference excerpts of the NCAA Constitution, Operating Bylaws, and Administrative Bylaws ("Exhibit 1"). Defendants NCAA & Board's Request for Application of the Incorporation by Reference Doctrine or Judicial Notice, Dkt. 56. Plaintiffs filed an opposition to this request. See Plaintiffs’ Opposition to the NCAA's Request for Incorporation by Reference ("RJN"), Dkt. 62. The Court understands Exhibit 1 to support NCAA Defendants’ claim that it has no duty to protect student-athletes’ health and safety because that role is retained by member organizations. See RJN at 3 ("Because the Manual is referenced extensively in the Complaint and forms the basis of several causes of action, this Court should treat it as incorporated by reference."). The Court does not reach the merits of Plaintiffs’ duty claims. See supra III.A. Accordingly, the Court need not decide whether to incorporate by reference or take notice of Exhibit 1.
II. LEGAL STANDARD
1. Rule 12(b)(2) Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Personal Jurisdiction
On a motion to dismiss a complaint for lack of personal jurisdiction, the plaintiff bears the burden of establishing personal jurisdiction. Farmers Ins. Exch. v. Portage La Prairie Mut. Ins. Co. , 907 F.2d 911, 912 (9th Cir. 1990). Where the motion to dismiss is based on written materials, rather than an evidentiary hearing, the plaintiff need only make a prima facie showing of jurisdictional facts to satisfy their burden. Dole Food Co. v. Watts , 303 F.3d 1104, 1108 (9th Cir. 2002). While the plaintiff cannot "simply rest on the bare allegations of its complaint," uncontroverted allegations in the complaint must be taken as true. Amba Mktg. Sys., Inc. v. Jobar Int'l, Inc. , 551 F.2d 784, 787 (9th Cir. 1977) ; AT&T Co. v. Compagnie Bruxelles Lambert , 94 F.3d 586, 588 (9th Cir. 1996). Conflicts between parties over statements contained in affidavits must be resolved in the plaintiff's favor. Id. If a plaintiff's proof is "limited to written materials," the materials must only contain facts that "support a finding of jurisdiction." Data Disc, Inc. v. Sys. Tech. Assocs., Inc. , 557 F.2d 1280, 1285 (9th Cir. 1977).
The exercise of personal jurisdiction over a nonresident defendant must be authorized under the state's long-arm statute and must satisfy the due process clause of the United States Constitution. Perez v. United States , 103 F. Supp. 3d 1180, 1197 (S.D. Cal. 2015). California's long-arm statute permits the exercise of personal jurisdiction "on any basis not inconsistent with the Constitution of this state or the United States." Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 410.10. Under the due process analysis, a defendant may be subject to either general or specific personal jurisdiction. Helicopteros Nacionales de Colombia, S.A. v. Hall , 466 U.S. 408, 414, 104 S.Ct. 1868, 80 L.Ed.2d 404 (1984).
2. Rule 12(b)(6) Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim
A district court properly dismisses a complaint for failure to state a claim if the complaint lacks (1) a cognizable legal theory or (2) fails to include sufficient facts. Balisteri v. Pacifica Police Dep't , 901 F.2d 696, 699 (9th Cir. 1988) ; see also Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6). Thus, to survive a motion to dismiss, a plaintiff's complaint must have sufficient facts alleged under a cognizable legal theory to "state a facially plausible claim to relief." Shroyer v. New Cingular Wireless Servs., Inc. , 622 F.3d 1035, 1041 (9th Cir. 2010). A complaint must include something more than "an unadorned, the defendant-unlawfully-harmed-me accusation" or " ‘labels and conclusions’ or ‘a formulaic recitation of the elements of a cause of action.’ " Ashcroft v. Iqbal , 556 U.S. 662, 678, 129 S.Ct. 1937, 173 L.Ed.2d 868 (2009) (quoting Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly , 550 U.S. 544, 570, 127 S.Ct. 1955, 167 L.Ed.2d 929 (2007) ). Determining whether a complaint will survive a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim is a "context-specific task that requires the reviewing court to draw on its judicial experience and common sense." Id. at 679, 129 S.Ct. 1937. In making this context-specific evaluation, the court must construe the complaint in the light most favorable to the plaintiff and accept as true the factual allegations of the complaint. Erickson v. Pardus , 551 U.S. 89, 93–94, 127 S.Ct. 2197, 167 L.Ed.2d 1081 (2007). Of course, the court need not accept "a legal conclusion couched as a factual allegation" as true. Papasan v. Allain , 478 U.S. 265, 286, 106 S.Ct. 2932, 92 L.Ed.2d 209 (1986).
A party may raise a statute of limitations argument in a motion to dismiss if it is apparent from the face of the complaint that the complaint was not timely filed and that the plaintiff will be unable to prove facts that will establish the timeliness of the claim. Von Saher v. Norton Simon Museum , 592 F.3d 954, 969 (9th Cir. 2010). III. DISCUSSION
A. NCAA Defendants Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Personal Jurisdiction
Plaintiffs allege that NCAA Defendants have a duty to protect student-athletes from sexual abuse and sexual predators like Defendant Rembao and that NCAA Defendants are vicariously liable for the torts of coaches like Defendant Rembao. See FAC Counts I–IV (alleging gross negligence, negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, and negligent misrepresentation); Counts VII–XII; Count XIII (alleging that the NCAA ratified Defendant Rembao's misconduct). Plaintiffs maintain that NCAA Defendants had an obligation to require its member institutions to employ ethical coaches and trainers and had an obligation to implement and enforce rules and bylaws prohibiting sexual harassment and/or sexual abuse by athletic department personnel. See ¶ 356. Plaintiffs premise their NCAA-allegations on NCAA Defendants failure to (1) create and implement rules targeting sexual misconduct, (2) protect student-athletes from athletic personnel like Defendant Rembao, and (3) protect Plaintiffs from Defendant Rembao. In order to establish personal jurisdiction, Plaintiffs must either show that NCAA Defendants are "at home" in California or have sufficient contacts with California that are connected to these three categories of allegations. Plaintiffs have not met this burden.
1. General Personal Jurisdiction
To exercise general personal jurisdiction over a non-resident defendant, the defendant must have contacts with the forum that are so "continuous and systematic" as to render the defendant "essentially at home in the forum State." Daimler AG v. Bauman , 571 U.S. 117, 127, 134 S.Ct. 746, 187 L.Ed.2d 624 (2014) (quotation marks and citation omitted). In contrast to specific personal jurisdiction, general personal jurisdiction is "all purpose." It allows a court to exercise jurisdiction over a defendant for any claim, even those not connected to the forum. In this scenario, due process is at its height. If the goal of personal jurisdiction is to ensure that a defendant can foreseeably be "hailed into a court" in a forum, that goal is most vulnerable when a defendant is subject to jurisdiction on grounds unconnected to the forum. See id. at 132, 134 S.Ct. 746 ("[W]e have declined to stretch general jurisdiction beyond limits traditionally recognized."). Perhaps for this reason, there is a long history of courts "train[ing] on the ‘relationship among the defendant, the forum, and the litigation,’ i.e. , specific jurisdiction." Id. (quoting Shaffer v. Heitner , 433 U.S. 186, 204, 97 S.Ct. 2569, 53 L.Ed.2d 683 (1977) ).
In Daimler AG , the Supreme Court further tightened general jurisdiction's reach. The Supreme Court confirmed "that only a limited set of affiliations with a forum will render a defendant amenable to all-purpose jurisdiction there." Id. at 137, 134 S.Ct. 746. Paradigm affiliations for a corporation include its place of incorporation and its principal place of business. Id. These places are "unique" and "easily ascertainable." Id. Outside these paradigms, the Court limited general jurisdiction to instances where the defendant's relationship with the forum is so continuous, regular, and systematic that the defendant can be fairly regarded "at home" there.
The Supreme Court clarified the scope of "fairly at home" in Daimler AG . The Court focused on how unique the contact with the forum must be to support general jurisdiction. It is this discussion that is relevant to the case at hand. In Daimler AG , the plaintiffs wanted the Supreme Court to find that general jurisdiction is appropriate in every State in which a corporation "engages in a substantial, continuous, and systematic course of business." Id. at 138, 134 S.Ct. 746. The Court declined that invitation after reasoning that such a broad application of jurisdiction would render the defendant "at home" in too many forums. See id. at 139, 134 S.Ct. 746 ("If Daimler's California activities sufficed to allow adjudication of this Argentina-rooted case in California, the same global reach would presumably be available in every other State in which MBUSA's sales are sizable."). This "exorbitant exercise" of general jurisdiction would "scarcely permit out-of-state defendants ‘to structure their primary conduct with some minimum assurance as to where that conduct will and will not render them liable to suit.’ " Id. (quoting Burger King Corp. v. Rudzewicz , 471 U.S. 462, 472, 105 S.Ct. 2174, 85 L.Ed.2d 528 (1985) ). Implicit in this discussion is the idea that a defendant cannot be "at home" in all fifty states. Rather, a defendant can only be "at home" in the forum if its ties to the forum are so strong and significant (as compared to its other non-forum connections) as to render its connection with the forum unique.
Before Daimler AG (and the Supreme Court's Goodyear Dunlop Tires Operations, S.A. v. Brown , 564 U.S. 915, 131 S.Ct. 2846, 180 L.Ed.2d 796 (2011) opinion), the simple formulation "continuous and systematic" was much less stringent. To support general jurisdiction, a defendant need only have "continuous and systematic general business contacts" with the forum. See, e.g. , Gator.com Corp. v. L.L. Bean, Inc. , 341 F.3d 1072 (9th Cir. 2003). Goodyear and Daimler AG changed this; general jurisdiction no longer can be supported by mere business contacts. Instead, there must be some type of unique contact with a forum.
This is to say, general jurisdiction is not meant to provide many districts with jurisdiction over the same defendant. If general jurisdiction in one forum would subject the defendant to jurisdiction in many other forums, the exercise of such jurisdiction is likely improper. Indeed, there is only one case where the Supreme Court upheld beyond-paradigm general jurisdiction: Perkins v. Benguet Consolidated Mining Co. , 342 U.S. 437, 72 S.Ct. 413, 96 L.Ed. 485 (1952). There, a Philippine corporation was unable to operate in the Philippines due to Japanese occupation during World War II. Perkins , 342 U.S. at 448, 72 S.Ct. 413. During that period, the president, who was also the general manager and principal stockholder of the company, returned to his home in Clermont County, Ohio. Id. The president maintained an office in Ohio where he conducted his personal affairs and did many things on behalf of the company. Id. at 448, 72 S.Ct. 413. He kept company office files in the office and carried on correspondence relating to the business of the company and its employees from the office (like drawing and distributing salary checks on behalf of the company). Id. This contact sufficed to establish "continuous and systematic" contact with Ohio such that the company could be subject to general jurisdiction there. Id. at 438, 72 S.Ct. 413.
While the Perkins opinion did not classify it as such, in effect, because the company could no longer operate in Japan, the Ohio office had become the company's "principal place of business." See Hertz Corp. v. Friend , 559 U.S. 77, 96, 130 S.Ct. 1181, 175 L.Ed.2d 1029 (2010) (discussing the "nerve center" standard and noting that in order to determine a company's principal place of business, the court must assess where the "overall direction, control, and coordination" of the company is centered). The question of whether Perkins was a non-paradigm-affiliation case is thus worthy of discussion.
Plaintiffs ignore the impact of Daimler AG and rely exclusively on pre- Daimler AG precedent to establish general jurisdiction. See, e.g. , Opp. at 6 (citing a 1990 First Circuit case); but see Corcoran v. CVS Health Corp. , 169 F. Supp. 3d 970, 980–81 (N.D. Cal. 2016) ("Other post- Daimler plaintiffs have attempted similarly ill-fated arguments for general jurisdiction based on the old standard."). Plaintiffs advance three arguments which, they argue, "taken together" show jurisdiction. Opp. at 4. The Court disagrees; neither of these arguments, together or separate, support general jurisdiction.
First , Plaintiffs argue that because the NCAA has sued in the forum and has been sued in the forum, general jurisdiction is appropriate. See Opp. at 4 (citing NCAA v. Ken Grody Mgmt. , No. 8:18-cv-00153, 2018 WL 5099489 (C.D. Cal. 2018) ; George v. NCAA , 2008 WL 5422882, at *3 (C.D. Cal. Dec. 17, 2008) (conceding that venue [and thus personal jurisdiction] lies in the Central District of California)). But, that a nonresident defendant previously litigated in the forum surely does not constitute "continuous and systematic contact with the forum." On this theory, a nonresident defendant would be subject to general jurisdiction anywhere it had previously sued or been sued , even if a prior suit was based on specific jurisdiction. This would improperly transmute specific jurisdiction into general jurisdiction.
Plaintiffs next argue that because the NCAA conceded personal jurisdiction in George , personal jurisdiction can be presumed. However, a personal jurisdiction defense must affirmatively be asserted by a defendant. The defense exists for the benefit of the litigant. A defendant may strategically choose to be sued in a forum. But, that is a choice for the defendant (who holds the due process protection) and not the court. That a defendant did not previously assert its due process rights does not eradicate those rights altogether.
More damning to this theory of jurisdiction is the fact that the cases Plaintiffs rely on are specific personal jurisdiction cases. See Opp. at 4 (citing Threlkeld v. Tucker , 496 F.2d 1101 (9th Cir. 1974) ; Pro Sports v. West , 639 F. Supp. 2d 475 (D.N.J. 2009) ). In each, the defendants were subject to specific jurisdiction because the federal actions arose out of prior state-court actions. See Threlkeld , 496 F.2d at 1103–04 ("Where, as here, the action upon the judgment is brought within a reasonable time after the judgment was entered ... and where the conduct underlying the judgment clearly evidenced a pattern of continued, deliberate contact with California, there is nothing unreasonable or contrary to traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice ...." (quotation marks and citations omitted)); Pro Sports , 639 F. Supp. 2d at 482 (finding that because second suit arose from the same subject as the first, specific jurisdiction was appropriate). Further, the Threlkeld court specifically cautioned that it was not holding that a "valid state-court judgment by itself is sufficient basis" for the exercise of jurisdiction over a nonresident defendant. 496 F.2d at 1104. Rather, there "must be a history of relevant contacts between the nonresident defendant and the state." Id.
In contrast to both Threlkeld and Pro Sports , there is no underlying state court action that would support specific—much less general—jurisdiction. Moreover, as the Threlkeld court cautioned, it is not enough that there is some prior action involving the defendant in the forum. The plaintiff must still show that the defendant has sufficient contacts with the forum. Two prior (and unrelated) actions in the forum do not establish such contact.
Second , Plaintiffs argue that "NCAA members are [so] heavily concentrated in California," that NCAA Defendants can be fairly regarded as at home in the forum. Opp. at 5. Fifty-eight members are in California. But, NCAA has 1,100 NCAA members across the United States. See Affidavit of Jacqueline Campbell in Support of NCAA's Motion to Dismiss ("Campbell Decl.") ¶ 5, Dkt. 57. If NCAA Defendants were regarded as "fairly at home" in California, wouldn't they be "fairly at home" in any state where 5% or more of their members reside? Daimler AG is clear that any theory that would apply general jurisdiction in "every State" is "unacceptably grasping." See 571 U.S. at 138, 134 S.Ct. 746 ; see also supra III.A.1 (discussing the history of general jurisdiction). Plaintiffs do not answer this question which is fatal to their general jurisdiction theory.
Instead, Plaintiffs rely on an outdated "control" test. See Opp. at 6 (citing Donatelli v. Nat'l Hockey League , 893 F.2d 459 (1st Cir. 1990) ). They argue that the NCAA exercised "significant control" over its California members and that this "independently" confers general jurisdiction. Id. Some contrast is helpful. In Daimler AG , the Court explained that a corporation's "substantial[ ] control" over a subsidiary did not provide reasonable limits to an otherwise overbroad general jurisdiction theory. In other words, a showing of control (even one that is substantial) does not justify the exercise of general jurisdiction. The Court need not define the parameters of control here. If the type of control at issue in Daimler AG was insufficient, the control at issue here is also insufficient. As in Daimler AG , Plaintiffs theory would subject an out-of-state entity to jurisdiction "whenever they have an in-state subsidiary or affiliate." 571 U.S. at 136 & n.15, 134 S.Ct. 746.
To the extent Plaintiffs could answer this question, it is plain that the NCAA's contact with California is insufficient to confer general jurisdiction. Plaintiffs have not shown that the NCAA's contact with California is comparatively unique. See Dallas Texans Soccer Club v. Major League Soccer Players Union , 247 F. Supp. 3d 784, 788–89 (E.D. Tex. 2017) (finding a player's union that represented 588 players from twenty teams nationwide was not "at home" in the forum despite having 59 members and two representatives from two teams within the forum); In re Nat'l Hockey League Players’ Concussion Injury Litig. , 2019 WL 5079980, at *4 (D. Minn. Oct. 10, 2019) (finding NHL's franchise club and team in Minnesota insufficient to confer general jurisdiction because NHL has clubs and teams in several other states).
Plaintiffs next argue that because (for subject-matter jurisdiction purposes) an unincorporated entity's citizenship turns on where its members reside, NCAA can be regarded "at home" in California. See Opp. at 5. This is a red herring. Citizenship for purposes of subject-matter jurisdiction is different from citizenship for personal jurisdiction. See Satmarean v. Philips Consumer Luminaries, N.A. , 2013 WL 5425339, at *2 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 27, 2013) ("The concepts of subject-matter and personal jurisdiction ... serve different purposes, and these purposes affect the legal character of the two requirements." (quoting Ins. Corp. of Ireland Ltd. v. Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee , 456 U.S. 694, 701, 102 S.Ct. 2099, 72 L.Ed.2d 492 (1982) )); Waldman v. Palestine Liberation Org. , 835 F.3d 317, 332 (2d Cir. 2016) (" Daimler ’s reasoning was based on an analogy to general jurisdiction over individuals, and there is no reason to invent a different test for general personal jurisdiction depending on whether the defendant is an individual, a corporation, or another entity."). Subject-matter jurisdiction evaluates the court's ability to hear a case, while personal jurisdiction evaluates whether a defendant has sufficient contact with a forum to make jurisdiction fair. Thus, depending on the jurisdictional inquiry, the citizenship inquiry changes. Pursuant to Daimler AG , it is insufficient that a defendant has members or subsidiaries in a forum. The relevant inquiry is what contact the defendant has with the forum. Hence, in order for NCAA California member institutions to matter, Plaintiffs must show that these contacts render NCAA Defendants "at home" in California. Plaintiffs have not met this burden. See supra.
Plaintiffs further suggest that the actions of member institutions can be imputed to the NCAA for jurisdiction because the institutions are "mutual agent[s]" of the NCAA. Opp. at 5. Again, after Daimler AG , the relevant contacts with a forum are an entity's contacts. Agent's contacts are irrelevant. See Ranza v. Nike, Inc. , 793 F.3d 1059, 1071 (9th Cir. 2015) ("Before the Supreme Court's Daimler decision, this circuit permitted a plaintiff to pierce the corporate veil for jurisdictional purposes and attribute a local entity's contacts to its out-of-state affiliate under one of two separate tests: the ‘agency’ test and the ‘alter ego’ test.... The Supreme Court invalidated [the agency] test."). Such a theory, sweeps too broadly to comport with the requirements of due process. Daimler AG , 571 U.S. at 135–36, 134 S.Ct. 746. Indeed, applying it here would permit the NCAA to not only be sued in California, but in every other state it has an "agent."
Plaintiffs do not argue that members are the "alter egos" of the NCAA.
Third , Plaintiffs argue that the NCAA's physical and economic presence in California establishes general jurisdiction. Pre-Daimler , this may have been sufficient. Post-Daimler , this one contact (in a vacuum) is insufficient. The Court must assess the forum contact in context. It must appraise the entity's activities in their entirety. That the NCAA hosts large tournaments like the Rose Bowl in California is irrelevant—Plaintiffs fail to show why this tournament, as compared to the many others held across the United States, makes NCAA's contact with the forum distinct. Likewise, Plaintiffs fail to show that the revenue generated from California is "outsized" or significantly "more than" any other state such that general jurisdiction would be appropriate. See Dkt. 63-1 (discussing the NCAA's revenue, but failing to show what revenue came from California). Because Plaintiffs have not shown that the NCAA's contact with California is "special" as compared to its contact with other States, the NCAA can "scarcely be deemed at home in [California]." BNSF Ry. Co. v. Tyrrell , ––– U.S. ––––, 137 S. Ct. 1549, 1559, 198 L.Ed.2d 36 (2017).
To name a few of the most popular football bowl games (none of which are held in California): the "Iron Bowl," "Orange Bowl," "Sugar Bowl," "Cotton Bowl Classic," "Peach Bowl," and "Fiesta Bowl."
2. Specific Personal Jurisdiction
When considering specific jurisdiction, the Court examines the nature, quality, and quantity of NCAA's contacts with California and those contacts’ relation to Plaintiffs’ suit. In contrast to general jurisdiction, specific jurisdiction requires the plaintiff's claims to "arise out of or relate to" the defendant's forum contacts. See Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. v. Superior Ct. , ––– U.S. ––––, 137 S. Ct. 1773, 1786, 198 L.Ed.2d 395 (2017). Plaintiffs must show that the NCAA's contacts—and not those of its "agents"—gave rise to the claims. See Williams v. Yamaha Motor Co. , 851 F.3d 1015, 1024 (9th Cir. 2017) ("To the contrary, the Daimler Court's criticism of the [agency test] found fault with the standard's own internal logic, and therefore applies with equal force regardless of whether the standard is used to establish general or specific jurisdiction."). The Ninth Circuit uses a three-prong test to determine whether specific jurisdiction is appropriate: (1) the defendant must either purposefully direct its activities toward the forum or purposefully avail itself of the privileges of conducting activities in the forum; (2) the claim must be one which arises out of or relates to the defendant's forum-related activities; and (3) the exercise of jurisdiction would be reasonable. Axiom Foods, Inc. v. Acerchem Int'l, Inc. , 874 F.3d 1064, 1068 (9th Cir. 2017).
Where, as here, Plaintiffs allege both contract and tort claims, the first prong of the test can be satisfied by showing either purposeful direction of activities toward the State or purposeful availment of the benefit of doing business there. See Schwarzenegger v. Fred Martin Motor Co. , 374 F.3d 797, 802 (9th Cir. 2004) ("A purposeful availment analysis is most often used in suits sounding in contract. A purposeful direction analysis, on the other hand, is most often used in suits sounding in tort." (citation omitted)). "A single forum state contact can support jurisdiction if the cause of action arises out of that particular purposeful contact of the defendant with the forum state." Menken v. Emm , 503 F.3d 1050, 1058 (9th Cir. 2007).
Plaintiffs assert three categories of claims against NCAA Defendants. Plaintiffs first argue that NCAA Defendants have a duty to legislate in ways that prevent sexual abuse and that the failure to legislate in this way caused inadequate policies to be adopted and implemented in California, which allowed predators like Rembao to move among NCAA schools. FAC ¶ 145. It was this failure to prevent coaches, like Rembao, from entering into inappropriate relationships that allegedly caused Plaintiffs harm. Plaintiffs next argue that NCAA Defendants failed to protect them from Defendant Rembao. These three categories of claims are related: but-for the NCAA's failure to legislate appropriately, Plaintiffs (and their putative class) would not have been harmed by coaches like Defendant Rembao. See Opp. at 10–11 ("A clear nexus exists between California and Plaintiffs’ claims: the NCAA's inadequate policies, implemented in California through the input of California members, shielded Rembao from accountability for his abusive behavior as a coach at Cal Poly, and gave him license to move from California to other schools. Put differently, but for the NCAA's failure to prevent coaches involved in inappropriate student relationships from transferring schools, Plaintiffs would not have been harmed.").
There is a problem with Plaintiffs’ theory of specific jurisdiction. The NCAA legislates in Indiana, where it is headquartered. Thus, the harm caused by the NCAA's failure to enact particular legislation arises out of Indiana. A contrary finding would improperly subject the NCAA to jurisdiction anywhere because the NCAA failed to implement legislation in all 50 states.
As for Plaintiffs’ claim that the NCAA failed to protect them from Defendant Rembao, there is no allegation that the abuse occurred in California. Plaintiffs attempt to connect the abuse to the forum by pointing out Defendant Rembao's time at Cal Poly. Again, there are problems with this theory of jurisdiction. First, to the extent the NCAA had a duty to legislate in ways to prevent alleged abusers from transferring schools, that duty arose in Indiana, not California. Second, even assuming the NCAA is vicariously liable for Defendant Rembao's torts, there is no showing that any torts occurred in California or are connected to California. It is true that Defendant Rembao had a relationship with Sue McNeal in the late 1980s at Cal Poly in California. But, this relationship occurred when Defendant Rembao and McNeal were both student-athletes at Cal Poly. See supra n.1. And, Defendant Rembao did not become McNeal's coach until after she graduated. Thus, the McNeal-Rembao relationship is completely different from the complained of conduct—there is no showing that Defendant Rembao coached McNeal when she was a student and had a relationship with her during such a time. Hence, it is too attenuated to form the "but-for" cause of Plaintiff's abuse claims.
To summarize, Plaintiffs were not abused in California. The only link connecting Rembao to California is his relationship with McNeal. Plaintiffs use this relationship to establish a causal chain. Plaintiffs argue that if the NCAA had stopped Defendant Rembao during this first relationship with McNeal, they would not have been abused by Rembao. But, there is no showing that Defendant Rembao's relationship with McNeal (his now wife) was improper. As mentioned, they met as fellow student-athletes and he did not coach McNeal until after she graduated. That relationship is completely different from the improper alleged-relationships in this case. Plaintiffs would have suffered the same injuries (in Arizona and Texas) even if none of the California contacts (i.e. , Rembao's time at Cal Poly) had taken place. Plaintiffs’ claims therefore are not ones that arose out of or resulted from Defendant Rembao's forum-related activities. Therefore, Defendant Rembao's contact with the forum cannot support jurisdiction over Plaintiffs’ claims that (1) the NCAA improperly allowed Rembao to transfer schools and (2) failed to protect them from Rembao. See Bristol-Myers , ––– U.S. at ––––, 137 S. Ct. at 1781 ("For specific jurisdiction, a defendant's general connections with the forum are not enough.").
To the contrary, this situation seemingly occurred when Defendant Rembao was able to move to UT Austin after he was discovered in Plaintiff Aldrich's closet at the University of Arizona.
Because Plaintiffs have not established that NCAA Defendants’ contact with California gave rise to the claims at hand or that NCAA Defendants’ are "fairly regarded as at home" in California, the Court GRANTS NCAA Defendants’ motion to dismiss on personal jurisdiction grounds. Since the Court lacks personal jurisdiction over NCAA Defendants, venue is improper in this district. See 28 U.S.C. § 1391(c)(2) ("For all venue purposes an entity with the capacity to sue and be sued in its common name under applicable law, whether or not incorporated, shall be deemed to reside, if a defendant, in any judicial district in which such defendant is subject to the court's personal jurisdiction ...."). 28 U.S.C. § 1406 provides that the Court "shall" dismiss an action for improper venue or, in the "interests of justice" may transfer such case to any district or division in which it could have been brought. NCAA Defendants concede that venue is proper in the Southern District of Indiana (relatedly, there is no dispute that personal jurisdiction over NCAA Defendants exists in Indiana). "In the interests of justice," the Court TRANSFERS the claims asserted against the NCAA and its Board of Governors to the Southern District of Indiana.
B. Defendant Rembao's Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim
Defendant Rembao first argues that Plaintiffs’ claims are time-barred under the relevant statutes of limitations. A statute of limitations defense can require dismissal under Rule 12(b)(6) if it is apparent from the face of the complaint that the claims are time-barred. Lopes v. Vieriai , 488 F. Supp. 2d 1000, 1043 (E.D. Cal. 2007). However, "[w]hen a motion to dismiss is based on the running of the statute of limitations, it can be granted only if the assertions of the complaint, read with the required liberality, would not permit the plaintiff to prove that the statute was tolled." Jablon v. Dean Witter & Co. , 614 F.2d 677, 682 (9th Cir. 1980). It is not apparent from the face of the FAC that Plaintiffs’ claims against Defendant Rembao are time-barred.
1. Statute of Limitations Defense
There is no dispute that Plaintiffs’ claims (without tolling) are time-barred under the relevant statutes of limitations.
a. Plaintiff Aldrich's Claims
The first step in the analysis is to determine which law applies to Plaintiff Aldrich's claims. Plaintiff Aldrich argues that Arizona law applies to her claims. Defendant Rembao maintains that California law applies.
Defendant Rembao argues that California's borrowing statute (California Code of Civil Procedure § 361 ) applies and requires the Court to apply California statute of limitations law. This is a perplexing argument. The borrowing statute applies to prevent non-residents with expired claims from filing in California and using the more-favorable California statute of limitations to revive their claims. That is not the case here. First, Plaintiff Aldrich is a resident of California. Second, she is not looking to avail herself of a more favorable statute of limitations in California. Instead, she contends that Arizona law applies to the issues of tolling and accrual. Thus, California's borrowing statute is irrelevant. See G&G Prods. LLC v. Rusic , 902 F.3d 940, 948 n.6 (9th Cir. 2018) ("The California Supreme Court does not appear to have decided whether, for purposes of the borrowing statute, accrual is a question of California law or the law of the state or foreign country in which the claim arose.").
The California Supreme Court requires a choice of law analysis to determine the law to be applied to issues like accrual and tolling. See McCann v. Foster Wheeler , 48 Cal.4th 68, 105 Cal.Rptr.3d 378, 225 P.3d 516, 526–27 (Cal. 2010) ; see also Klaxon Co. v. Stentor Elect Mfg. Co. , 313 U.S. 487, 496, 61 S.Ct. 1020, 85 L.Ed. 1477 (1941) (holding that when sitting in diversity, federal court applies the forum state's choice of law rules). California applies the "governmental interest" test to resolve choice of law questions. McCann , 48 Cal.4th 68, 105 Cal.Rptr.3d 378, 225 P.3d at 387. The governmental interest approach involves three steps. First, the court determines whether the two laws at issue differ. Second, if there is a difference between the laws, the court examines each jurisdiction's interest in the application of its own law under the circumstances of the particular case to determine whether a true conflict exists. Third, if the court finds that there is a true conflict, it carefully evaluates and compares the nature and strength of the interests of each jurisdiction and then applies the law of the state whose interests would be more impaired if its laws were not applied. Id. at 391 (citations omitted).
As to the first question, Arizona and California have different tolling statutes. Arizona's tolling statute is more expansive; it includes an "unsound mind" tolling provision. See A.R.S. § 12-502 ("If a person entitled to bring an action other than those set forth in article 2 of this chapter is at the time the cause of action accrues either under eighteen years of age or of unsound mind , the period of such disability shall not be deemed a portion of the period limited for commencement of the action. Such person shall have the same time after removal of the disability which is allowed to others." (emphasis added)). A person can be of "unsound mind" if they are unable to "understand [their] legal rights or liabilities." Doe v. Roe , 191 Ariz. 313, 955 P.2d 951, 964 (Ariz. 1998). California has a similar, but narrower, tolling provision. California allows tolling for juveniles or legally incapacitated persons. Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352. Unsound mind is broader than legally incapacitated. Someone who is legally incapacitated would have an unsound mind, but someone who has an unsound mind might not be legally incapacitated. Because the Court finds that Plaintiff Aldrich has pled sufficient facts to show that she had an "unsound mind," her claim is timely under Arizona, but not California, law. Thus, there can be no dispute that the two laws materially differ.
Further, there is no "true conflict" between the laws. Here, Arizona has a greater interest in seeing its law applied. Plaintiff Aldrich was abused in Arizona, not California. Arizona also disfavors the statute of limitations defense and has an interest in seeing potentially meritorious claims survive the defense. Ulibarri v. Gerstenberger , 178 Ariz. 151, 871 P.2d 698, 706 (Ariz. Ct. App. 1993) ("Arizona does not look with favor on the statute of limitations defense."). Indeed, this is why Arizona "provides for the tolling of the statute of limitations during periods of minority, imprisonment, or insanity." Id. (citing A.R.S. § 12-502 ). In contrast, California's interest is minor. The actions giving rise to the claim did not occur in California and thus California's interest in seeing its statute of limitations enforced is de minimis. Therefore, there is not a "true conflict" between the two laws—Arizona's interest is greater than California's and thus Arizona law applies.
Plaintiff Aldrich's claims may be timely under A.R.S. § 12-502. Some comparison is helpful. In Doe , a 34-year-old plaintiff filed suit after she experienced a flashback memory of her father sexually abusing her when she was a child while watching a television program on incest. 955 P.2d at 953. After watching the program, she "developed feelings of hysteria, even panic, and immediately sought counseling," and was hospitalized for psychiatric care. Id. The court held that the repression created a genuine dispute of fact as to the plaintiff's ability to understand her legal rights. Id. at 967. Importantly, the court noted that "unsound mind" does not require evidence that the alleged victim is totally incapacitated or unable to manage her daily affairs. Id. at 965. ("[T]he court of appeals has misread Florez for the harsh proposition that as a matter of law ‘the disabling psychological effects of child abuse do not constitute an ‘unsound mind’ under section 12–502(A) where the victims were able to function on a day-to-day basis and manage their ordinary affairs.’ ").
Here, the allegations create a dispute as to whether Plaintiff Aldrich was able to understand her legal rights. Cf. Rembao MTD at 12 (arguing that Plaintiff Aldrich does not allege that she was unable to understand her legal rights). Plaintiff Aldrich repressed her memories of the abuse and was in denial that any abuse took place. Because of this denial, she did not understand her legal rights. Indeed, if one is to accept that events occurred and is unable to articulate them, they likely do not understand their legal rights. This is confirmed by Plaintiff Aldrich's feelings of complicity, guilt and shame, which further evidences that she did not understand that a wrong occurred. See FAC ¶¶ 161, 163, 316, 319–20, 322–23. While Plaintiff Aldrich was able to recall some of the events, she did not realize that they qualified as abuse until Leaving Neverland "triggered" her realization. See Doe , 955 P.2d at 953. There is no requirement that a victim become an amnesiac. To the contrary, "[a]s people are being traumatized, this narrowing of consciousness sometimes evolves into amnesia for parts of the event, or for the entire experience." Id. at 957 n.4.
Like the plaintiff in Doe , Plaintiff Aldrich did not understand her legal rights until she was "triggered." Again, like the plaintiff in Doe , this realization had a physical effect on Plaintiff Aldrich. FAC ¶ 187. The allegations of repression are thus analogous to those in Doe . Therefore, it is not apparent from the face of the complaint that the relevant statutes of limitations bar the action. For this reason, Defendant Rembao's motion to dismiss Plaintiff Aldrich's claims is DENIED.
Defendant Rembao argues that A.R.S. § 12-502 is intended to apply only to minor victims of abuse. This argument is nonsensical. First, Defendant Rembao's reliance on Scarborough v. Altstatt , 228 Md.App. 560, 140 A.3d 497 (Md. Ct. App. 2016) is misplaced. Scarborough did not address Section 12-502. It addressed the Maryland discovery rule. See 140 A.3d at 508. Second, the text of the statute indicates that tolling is meant to apply to minors or those of unsound mind. Thus, the plain text of the statute contradicts Defendant Rembao's argument.
b. Plaintiffs Johnson & Bevins’ Claims
Plaintiffs Johnson and Bevins argue that they are entitled to equitable tolling. Federal courts apply the forum state's statute of limitations for personal injury actions and the state's law regarding tolling, including equitable tolling. Jones v. Blanas , 393 F.3d 918, 927 (9th Cir. 2004). In contrast to Plaintiff Aldrich's tolling argument, there is no choice of law issue as to Plaintiffs Johnson and Bevins’ claims. The laws of Texas (where the events are concentrated) and California (the forum) both recognize equitable tolling. See In re United Servs. Auto. Ass'n , 307 S.W.3d 299, 311 (Tex. 2010) ; Addison v. California , 21 Cal.3d 313, 146 Cal.Rptr. 224, 578 P.2d 941 (Cal. 1978). There is thus no conflict of laws and California law applies. Parrish v. Nat'l Football League Players, Inc. , 2007 WL 1624601, at *3 (N.D. Cal. June 4, 2007) ("When there is no true conflict of laws, the forum may apply its own laws.").
Equitable tolling under California law "operates independently of the literal wording of the Code of Civil Procedure to suspend or extend a statute of limitations as necessary to ensure fundamental practicality and fairness." Lantzy v. Centex Homes , 31 Cal.4th 363, 2 Cal.Rptr.3d 655, 73 P.3d 517, 523 (Cal. 2003) (quotation marks and citation omitted). The purpose of California's equitable tolling doctrine " ‘is to soften the harsh impact of technical rules which might otherwise prevent a good faith litigant from having a day in court.’ " Daviton v. Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp. , 241 F.3d 1131, 1137 (9th Cir. 2001) (quoting Addison v. State , 21 Cal.3d 313, 146 Cal.Rptr. 224, 578 P.2d 941, 942 (Cal. 1978) ). California courts thus apply equitable tolling to "prevent the unjust technical forfeiture of causes of action, where the defendant would suffer no prejudice." Lantzy , 2 Cal.Rptr.3d 655, 73 P.3d at 523. Application of the doctrine "requires a balancing of the injustice to the plaintiff occasioned by the bar of his claim against the effect upon the important public interest or policy expressed by the ... limitations statute." Id. , 2 Cal.Rptr.3d 655, 73 P.3d at 524.
On one side of the balance is the general public policy interest in ensuring prompt resolution of legal claims. See Addison , 146 Cal.Rptr. 224, 578 P.2d at 942–43. The statute of limitations operates to ensure that cases are brought when memories have not been affected by time, when all pertinent witnesses can still be called, and when physical evidence has not been destroyed or dispersed. Paramount to our judicial system is the idea that a trial (civil or criminal) should be fair. Timeliness helps ensure fairness. Indeed, "the public has an interest in avoiding the cultivation of stale grievances and grudges." Jones , 393 F.3d at 928. Thus, statutes of limitations, while at times seemingly unfair, actually attempt to promote fairness. But, if some obstacle unanticipated by the legislature has prevented the plaintiff from pursuing his claim, equity may find a way around the statute (again to promote fairness). See Lantzy , 2 Cal.Rptr.3d 655, 73 P.3d at 524.
Here, fairness may dictate that the relevant statutes of limitations should be tolled. The injustice arising from a refusal to toll the statutes of limitations would be great. As discussed, after the abuse occurred, Plaintiff Johnson filed a report with UT Austin. UT Austin conducted an investigation during which it allegedly "badgered Johnson and Bevins [and] subject[ed] them to cross-examination and accusations." Opp. at 21. UT Austin told Plaintiff Johnson her accusation that Defendant Rembao licked her neck was "boorish" and not sexual in nature. The investigation and report made Plaintiffs Johnson and Bevins believe that Defendant Rembao did nothing wrong and that they were overreacting. FAC ¶¶ 331–35. The investigation created self-doubt, blame, minimization, and uncertainty regarding Defendant Rembao's actions (and this is on top of the shame and blame that victims of sexual abuse already suffer). Id. ¶ 336. This report led them to believe that they did not have a claim. As soon as they realized they did have a claim (i.e. after Plaintiff Aldrich's phone call), they filed the case at hand.
Plaintiffs’ Complaint pleads facts which may present cause to toll the statutes of limitations. While there are no allegations that Defendant Rembao was involved in UT Austin's "whitewashing," an obvious inference exists that Defendant Rembao knew about and maybe even participated in the manipulation. Indeed, Defendant Rembao admitted to inappropriate touching (the massages) but was still "cleared" in the UT Austin report. He was thus a participant, whether active or inactive, in the whitewashing. Moreover, without equitable tolling to protect sexual abuse survivors’ access to justice, the intimidation tactics allegedly used by UT Austin would be condoned. This is another interest to consider. As society progresses and the acts of the past are condoned, it seems unjust to deprive a plaintiff of her day in court. For these reasons, it is not "apparent" from the face of the complaint that Plaintiffs Johnson and Bevins’ claims are time-barred. Jablon , 614 F.2d at 682. Equitable tolling may provide cause to toll the relevant statutes of limitations. The Court thus DENIES Defendant Rembao's motion to dismiss Plaintiffs Johnson and Bevins’ claims on statute of limitations grounds. See id. ("If the [statute of limitations] defense is not apparent on the face of the complaint and the motion to dismiss is not accompanied by acceptable affidavits, an appropriate summary judgment motion may be employed.").
Because it is unnecessary, the Court declines Plaintiffs’ invitation to create a victimization exception. See Opp. at 25.
In his motion to dismiss, Defendant Rembao argued that Count XIII (clam for ratification) should be dismissed. Rembao MTD at 15. Plaintiffs conceded in their opposition that this claim is inapplicable to Defendant Rembao. Opp. at 38 n.7 ("Plaintiffs do not contest that their ratification claim applies solely to NCAA."). This count is thus dismissed.
Defendant Rembao's last argument—that Plaintiffs have failed to state a claim for false imprisonment—relies on too narrow a definition of "confinement." He argues that Plaintiffs were not falsely imprisoned because they could have left the track meets, schools, and dinners were they were sexually assaulted. Rembao MTD at 15. He points out that "Plaintiffs Aldrich and Johnson repeatedly and willingly went to [Defendant] Rembao's home for dinner." Id. He also notes that Plaintiffs were able to transfer. All of this shows, in Defendant Rembao's view, that Plaintiffs were not held against their will. Id.
The tort of false imprisonment consists of the "nonconsensual, intentional confinement of a person, without lawful privilege, for an appreciable length of time, however short." Scofield v. Critical Air Med., Inc. , 45 Cal. App. 4th 990, 1001, 52 Cal.Rptr.2d 915 (Ct. App. 1996). That length of time can be as brief as 15 minutes. Id. Restraint can be effectuated by means of physical force, threat of force or of arrest, confinement by physical barriers, or by means of any other form of unreasonable duress. Id. (collecting cases).
Plaintiffs allege that they were confined to Defendant Rembao's office and home on multiple occasions, often in small, enclosed spaces. FAC ¶¶165, 215, 217–18, 267–73. Defendant Rembao was much older than them and held immense power over them—he controlled their access to scholarship money and access to workouts. Plaintiffs maintain that they felt they had no choice but to go into (and stay in) Defendant Rembao's home and office. Indeed, on some occasions, Defendant Rembao would obstruct their access to the door. See, e.g. , id. ¶¶ 214, 217–18, 219–20, 267, 273 ("Bevins felt alone, trapped, threatened, and scared."). There are enough plausible facts, taken as true, in the FAC to show that Plaintiffs were confined to areas (like Defendant Rembao's office or home) by means of duress.
That Plaintiffs were able to transfer to other schools is irrelevant (as is the fact that Plaintiff Aldrich transferred to UT Austin). At the Rule 12(b)(6) phase, the question at hand is whether the plaintiff has pled sufficient facts to state a claim. As the discussion above demonstrates, Plaintiffs have pled facts tending to show that they were confined to particular areas and were under such duress that they did not feel they could leave the confined space. Accordingly, Plaintiffs have pled a cognizable false imprisonment claim and the Court DENIES Defendant Rembao's motion to dismiss this claim.
IV. CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, the Court GRANTS NCAA Defendants’ motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction and TRANSFERS the NCAA action to the Southern District of Indiana. The Court DENIES Defendant Rembao's motion to dismiss. In the interests of clarity, Plaintiffs are ordered to file a second amended complaint by September 30, 2020 excising their claims as to NCAA Defendants. The Case Management Conference scheduled for September 24, 2020 is VACATED and will be reset after Plaintiffs file their second amended complaint.