17 Athletes Sue Former NC State Sports Medicine Director

Seventeen former male student-athletes from North Carolina State University (NC State) have joined a lawsuit against the school’s former sports medicine director, Robert Murphy. This amendment raises the total number of plaintiffs to 31, asserting claims of sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation. Filed in Wake County Superior Court, the lawsuit also implicates senior athletic department administrators for failing to act on reported misconduct.

Details of the Allegations

The lawsuit describes the defendants as acting with “willful, wanton and/or reckless” conduct, indicating a disregard for the safety and rights of the athletes. Murphy allegedly used his position from 2012 to 2022 to take advantage of student-athletes during medical treatments. The plaintiffs report various incidents of inappropriate behavior, including uncomfortable physical contact during massages and invasive methods during drug testing.

Testimonies from the Plaintiffs

• Ben Locke, one of the named plaintiffs, recounted an experience where he had to shower in front of Murphy shortly after surgery, feeling unable to challenge his authority.
• Other athletes reported that Murphy would enter locker room showers, making them feel exposed and uncomfortable.
• Murphy’s actions reportedly became so well-known that it was code-named the “Rob Murphy Special” among student-athletes.

Initial Reports and Management Response

The initial complaints were reportedly brought to men’s soccer head coach Kelly Findley in 2012. Although Findley escalated the concerns to athletic department officials, Murphy was only reassigned before returning to work with the soccer team in 2014.

Kerry Sutton, an attorney for the plaintiffs, indicated that the lawsuit presently includes athletes from eight different men’s sports teams. She anticipates that more affected individuals will come forward with their experiences against Murphy.

University Statement

In a recent statement, NC State emphasized its commitment to student safety, declaring that any form of sexual misconduct is intolerable. The university is currently reviewing the lawsuit and is determining its response. However, NC State has not offered further comments beyond this initial statement.

A separate negligence case against the university remains pending resolution of this civil lawsuit and is under consideration by the North Carolina Industrial Commission.