BATON ROUGE, La. -- Southern University marching band hazing victim Marcus Heath of Georgia and his mother are suing the college for liability in last year's off-campus initiation event.

According to police reports, Heath and two other freshman band mates were struck repeatedly with 2-by-4-inch boards during initiation in an off-campus residence prior to last year's Bayou Classic football game.

The lawsuit claims Heath was "treated for organ failure and other injuries" and that he "underwent numerous instances of hazing."

The Heaths are seeking financial damages for "pain and suffering, mental anguish and distress" and more.

Southern Board of Supervisors Chairman Tony Clayton, an attorney, said he sees no liability on the part of the university since the hazing took place off-campus.