Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against NC State Over Alleged Abuse

A North Carolina judge has thrown out a lawsuit involving 31 former NC State male athletes. They accused Robert M. Murphy Jr., the former director of sports medicine, of sexual abuse. The athletes filed claims under the guise of treatment and harassment against Murphy and NC State athletic officials.

Wake County Superior Court Judge Bryan Collins dismissed the claims for procedural reasons. The case was initially filed in state court in February, but a single athlete had brought forward a federal lawsuit in 2022. Allegations include misconduct during massages and during urine samples for drug tests.

The judge granted a motion from Murphy’s attorneys to dismiss the case, citing the expiration of the statute of limitations for claims dating back to 2013. Claims against athletics officials, such as ex-athletic director Debbie Yow and current director Boo Corrigan, were dismissed due to jurisdictional issues.

Kery Sutton, representing the former athletes, expressed intentions to appeal the dismissal. Sutton stated the decision was based solely on legal procedural grounds. He mentioned plans to introduce new claims as more men have come forward.

Jared Hammett, Murphy’s attorney, stated, “The truth is nothing happened but a man’s career being ruined for money. We are glad to support someone in need of a defense.”

Two athletes filed without using “John Doe” to protect anonymity. Benjamin Locke, a soccer player, was among those who did not use anonymity.

NC State has stated it does not condone any form of sexual misconduct. Emphasizing student safety, the school said, “The health and safety of our students and student-athletes is paramount to the university and our athletic programs.”

The Associated Press contributed to the report.