News Summary
Fourteen former athletes from N.C. State University have filed a civil lawsuit against the university’s former sports medicine director for allegations of sexual abuse and harassment. The lawsuit details incidents of improper conduct under the guise of treatment, with accusations against the university for negligence in addressing these allegations. The case highlights a culture of fear within the athletic department and raises concerns about systemic failures to protect student-athletes. As investigations continue, the university has refrained from commenting on the pending litigation.
Raleigh, North Carolina — Fourteen former N.C. State athletes have filed a civil lawsuit accusing the university’s former sports medicine director of sexual abuse and harassment.
Allegations Outline Abuse and Neglect
The lawsuit, filed in Wake County Superior Court, alleges that Robert Murphy Jr., who served as the director of sports medicine for the N.C. State Wolfpack from 2012 until his resignation in 2022, engaged in inappropriate conduct under the pretense of treatment. The allegations include improper touching during massages and intrusive observation while collecting urine samples for drug testing.
The complaint lists twelve of the athletes as “John Doe” plaintiffs to protect their identities. In addition, it names two specific individuals, one of whom is Benjamin Locke, a former soccer player who initially filed a federal lawsuit three years earlier. The allegations span from 2012 to 2021.
Details of the Alleged Abuse
The lawsuit claims that Murphy’s behavior was sometimes joked about among athletes and that some athletes refused treatment from him due to discomfort. The plaintiffs report that Murphy’s actions caused both physical and mental health issues, and some athletes experienced ongoing distress because of his conduct.
University’s Knowledge and Response
The lawsuit accuses N.C. State officials of negligence, asserting that multiple senior athletics officials, including former athletic director Debbie Yow, were aware of Murphy’s conduct but failed to act appropriately. Despite concerns being communicated, the lawsuit states that no substantive investigation or intervention was made to stop the ongoing abuse.
An internal investigation prompted by the allegations reportedly found sufficient evidence of potential misconduct under Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in educational settings. As a result, Murphy’s license was suspended and later revoked.
Legal Actions and Allegations of Cover-Up
The new lawsuit expands on the initial federal complaint by Benjamin Locke and follows two other legal actions filed in February and April 2023. The attorney representing the plaintiffs stated that the environment within the athletic department fostered a culture of fear, which prevented athletes from speaking out or seeking help.
The lawsuit describes alleged systemic failures by university officials, suggesting a cover-up designed to shield Murphy and neglect to protect the athletes. These claims highlight a pattern of neglect that lasted for several years, during which multiple athletes reportedly expressed concerns but saw no meaningful action taken against Murphy.
Murphy’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
Murphy’s legal representatives have denied the allegations, asserting that there is no credible evidence of sexual assault. To date, no criminal charges have been filed against Murphy. However, at least one plaintiff has approached law enforcement authorities with concerns, and an investigation remains ongoing.
The university has not publicly commented on the pending litigation, with a spokesperson confirming that N.C. State is reviewing the allegations. Following the complaints and investigations, Murphy’s vocational license was suspended and later revoked, ending his professional work as a trainer.
Broader Context and Background
The lawsuit underscores what plaintiffs describe as a systemic failure by N.C. State to protect its athletes from abuse and misconduct by staff members. It also illustrates concerns about the university’s internal procedures for handling complaints related to misconduct by university employees including athletic staff.
The legal actions are part of a broader wave of addressing misconduct allegations in university athletic departments nationwide, emphasizing the importance of accountability and robust protective measures for student-athletes.
Summary
- Fourteen former N.C. State athletes filed a civil lawsuit in Wake County Superior Court, accusing the university’s former sports medicine director of sexual abuse and harassment.
- The allegations include improper touching, intrusive observation, and systemic neglect by university officials who knew of Murphy’s conduct but failed to act.
- Murphy resigned in 2022; his license was suspended and revoked following investigations.
- The lawsuit suggests a culture of fear and systemic failures within the athletic department but no criminal charges have yet been filed against Murphy.
- The university has not issued a public comment on the ongoing litigation, emphasizing the need for further investigation.
FAQs
- What are the main allegations in the lawsuit?
- The lawsuit alleges that Robert Murphy Jr. engaged in sexual abuse and harassment through improper touching during massages and intrusive observation while collecting urine samples for drug testing.
- How many athletes are involved in the lawsuit?
- The lawsuit involves fourteen former male athletes, with twelve designated as “John Doe” plaintiffs to protect their identities, spanning from 2012 to 2021.
- What has N.C. State done in response?
- The university’s officials are accused of negligence for failing to investigate or prevent the misconduct. Murphy’s license was suspended and revoked after internal investigations found evidence of misconduct.
- Are there any criminal charges against Murphy?
- No criminal charges have been filed yet, though law enforcement investigations are ongoing as at least one plaintiff has approached authorities.
- Has N.C. State commented publicly?
- The university has not publicly commented on the pending litigation, but official spokespersons confirmed they are reviewing the allegations.
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Additional Resources
- WRAL
- ABC News
- News Observer
- Google Search: N.C. State Athletes abuse lawsuit
- Wikipedia: Sexual abuse
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
