Football Player Coached By Mongo McMichael Suing Homer Glen's Megaplex

An arena football player claiming he suffered an injury while practicing at Megaplex in Homer Glen is suing the fitness facility for allegedly failing to keep its artificial turf affixed to the floor.

Lawrence Goffer was practicing with the Chicago Slaughter in February 2011 when the "turf below his foot gave way" and he got hurt, according to the lawsuit filed at the Will County Courthouse.

Goffer, a defensive back and wide receiver, was planting his foot when the turf came loose, the lawsuit said.

Slaughter coach—and Romeoville mayoral hopeful—Steve "Mongo" McMichael remembered the day of Goffer's injury.

"He blew out his knee out and we lost him for the season," said McMichael, a two-time All-Pro and starter on the 1985 Super Bowl Champion Bears.

McMichael said Goffer suffered the injury during the team's first weekend of practice prior to the 2011 season. And McMichael figured the blown-out knee spelled the end of Goffer's playing days.

"Oh yeah, it was bad," said McMichael, recalling how Goffer's knee was "separated at the joint."

The Chicago Slaughter play their home games at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. McMichaels' Bears teammate, quarterback Jim McMahon, owns the team.

The lawsuit claims Goffer's injuries are permanent. Goffer's attorney, Timothy Rhatigan of Chicago, failed to return calls for comment.

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