In recent developments, former athletes from NC State have united to file a fourth sexual abuse lawsuit against Robert Murphy Jr., the university’s ex-director of sports medicine. This lawsuit has dramatically elevated the number of alleged victims to a striking total of 14, raising serious questions about accountability within the athletic department. The escalating claims add to those filed in 2022 and 2023 by three former athletes, reflecting an alarming trend of reported misconduct that demands scrutiny.
The latest filing outlines years of alleged victimization, citing Murphy’s inappropriate touching during massages and excessive surveillance during drug-testing procedures, particularly when collecting urine samples. This lawsuit identifies Murphy as one of nine defendants, alongside various university officials accused of negligence in their duty to protect student-athletes.
The gravity of these allegations has prompted public outcry. Current plaintiffs maintain that several officials, including former athletic director Debbie Yow, were aware of Murphy’s troubling behavior yet failed to take necessary action. The athletes allege a culture of silence and fear permeated the university, where concerns about losing scholarships and positions on teams stifled dissent. Kerry Sutton, an attorney representing the athletes, stated, “These 14 athletes have come forward… hoping to encourage others abused by Rob Murphy to see it wasn’t just them, they did nothing wrong, and NCSU should have protected them.”
This sentiment reflects a pervasive theme within the suit—an environment where fear overshadowed safety. Sutton elaborates on this culture: “Athletes were afraid of losing their scholarships, trainers were frightened to report their boss, and coaches were hesitant to intervene. Murphy exploited this fear, achieving what we believe could be a larger scale of abuse across the Wolfpack athletics.” These claims are indicative of a systemic failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of student-athletes, raising essential questions about the institution’s commitment to addressing such misconduct.
Benjamin Locke, a former men’s soccer player, initiated this legal charge in August 2022. His lawsuit catalyzed a broader investigation into Murphy, who had been placed on administrative leave, only to be terminated later that same year after serving at NC State from 2012 to 2022. The seriousness of the allegations is compounded by claims that Murphy’s behavior was reported as early as 2012. Former soccer coach Kelly Findley is alleged to have voiced concerns to senior athletic officials regarding behavior suggestive of “grooming” four years before the initial lawsuit was filed.
Despite repeated warnings and requests for Murphy to be relieved of his duties with male athletes, available records suggest that the measures taken by athletic department officials were insufficient. Reports indicate that, from 2016 to 2021, Murphy was told several times to distance himself from the men’s soccer program; nevertheless, he was still allowed to continue his interactions with the team. Shockingly, Murphy even received a promotion to director of sports medicine in 2018, highlighting a disconnect between reported concerns and administrative actions taken to safeguard the athletes.
The growing number of plaintiffs and the gravity of their allegations underscore the pressing need for systemic reform within sports medicine and collegiate athletics as a whole. The case has opened the door for discussions about how institutions can better safeguard athletes and foster an environment where they feel safe to report instances of abuse without the fear of repercussions. Each revelation points to a compelling narrative about accountability, the power dynamics within sports, and the necessity for institutional change.