17 Former NC State Athletes Join Lawsuit Alleging Abuse by Former Trainer
Seventeen former NC State athletes have joined a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse and harassment by the school’s former director of sports medicine, Robert L. Murphy Jr.Summary
A lawsuit against former NC State director of sports medicine, Robert L. Murphy Jr., has expanded to include 17 additional former male athletes, bringing the total number of plaintiffs to 31. The athletes allege years of sexual abuse and harassment under the guise of medical treatment, including inappropriate touching during massages and intrusive observation during drug testing. Most plaintiffs remain anonymous, but Benjamin Locke, the original complainant, and another former soccer player are named. Attorney Kerry Sutton anticipates more athletes will come forward. Murphy’s attorney, Seth Blum, maintains his client’s innocence, stating there is no “credible evidence” of assault. The lawsuit also names school officials accused of negligence in overseeing Murphy, whose alleged misconduct occurred between 2012 and 2022. Allegations detail athletes being forced to expose themselves during drug testing, causing feelings of vulnerability and humiliation, and instances of inappropriate genital touching during rehabilitation treatments.
(Source：Insurance Journal)