Former Michigan Hockey Players File Federal Lawsuit Alleging Abuse

Sixteen former players from the University of Michigan’s men’s hockey team have filed a federal sex discrimination lawsuit in Detroit. They allege that between 1984 and 2001 they experienced sexual abuse and hazing as team members.

The lawsuit claims that freshmen were subjected to humiliating initiation rituals. These included forced genital shaving, excessive alcohol consumption, and eating live fish. One player also described being threatened with a blowtorch while restrained on a table.

Michael Pitt, the attorney representing the former players, stated the team’s culture involved “ritualized, meticulously planned, and sadistic” abuse. Participation in these acts was reportedly mandatory to remain part of the team.

Red Berenson, who coached the team from 1984 to 2017, faces accusations in the lawsuit of being aware of the alleged abuse yet failing to take action. One complainant, referred to as John Doe 3, reportedly expressed his unwillingness to partake in hazing to Berenson. However, the coach allegedly pressured him by referencing what it meant to be a “Michigan Man” and a “good teammate.”

Berenson, now 86, contests the allegations of his involvement. He has recognized that some senior players led initiation processes but insists that he did not receive complaints.

“Were there some mishaps? Were there some bad experiences? Possibly, but it wasn’t a matter of direction or encouragement from the coaching staff or from the administration,” Berenson stated.

In 2012, Berenson declared the cessation of “freshman hazing.” He specified that new players were no longer required to carry equipment or eat last at team meals. He admitted past excesses in some captain-led activities.

Michigan spokesperson Paul Corliss called the allegations “disturbing” but denied university liability. “To the extent any former student-athlete engaged in hazing or other misconduct, they were violating university policy,” Corliss said.

The university had reportedly adopted an anti-hazing policy back in 1982, striving for leadership in this area. These accusations arose after discussions among former players in 2024.

Michigan might argue the lawsuit was filed too late, as events occurred decades ago. A precedent was set when Michigan settled $490 million in claims involving former athletes and campus sports doctor Robert Anderson’s misconduct.

The current lawsuit’s allegations have yet to be proven in court. Fox News Digital reached out to the University of Michigan for further comment.