What's happened
A federal lawsuit filed in North Carolina accuses Robert Murphy Jr., a former NC State coach, of years of misconduct including inappropriate touching and invasive monitoring during massages and drug tests. Most plaintiffs are anonymous, with two named athletes, and more victims are expected to come forward.
What's behind the headline?
The case exposes systemic failures in oversight at NC State, with allegations of misconduct spanning years. The fact that most plaintiffs remain anonymous underscores the sensitive nature of the accusations and the potential scale of abuse. Murphy's defenders deny the allegations, claiming no credible evidence exists. The case could prompt broader scrutiny of university athletic programs and their safeguarding protocols. The involvement of multiple plaintiffs and the expansion of the case suggest this will likely lead to significant legal and institutional consequences, possibly prompting reforms in athlete protection policies. The timing of the lawsuit, amid increasing awareness of sexual misconduct in sports, indicates a broader societal push for accountability and transparency in athletic environments.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the lawsuit broadens allegations against Robert Murphy Jr., including inappropriate physical contact and invasive drug testing procedures, with most plaintiffs remaining anonymous to protect their identities. The article highlights Murphy's defenders, who deny the allegations, asserting no credible evidence exists. AP News summarizes the case as involving misconduct during drug tests and massages, with attorney Kerry Sutton expecting more victims to come forward. The coverage from The Independent emphasizes the systemic issues and the potential impact on university oversight, contrasting with Murphy's attorney's dismissive stance, which claims the accusations are unfounded. The articles collectively underscore the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing legal battle that could reshape athlete safety protocols.
How we got here
The case stems from allegations first made in August 2022 by Benjamin Locke, a former NC State soccer player. Over time, additional plaintiffs have come forward, accusing Murphy of sexual harassment and misconduct during athletic activities. The lawsuit expands the scope of allegations, highlighting systemic issues within the university's oversight of athletic staff.
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North Carolina State University is a public land-grant research university in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 1887 and part of the University of North Carolina system, it is the largest university in the Carolinas.