A North Carolina judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by 31 former male athletes from N.C. State University. The athletes alleged sexual abuse by Robert M. Murphy Jr., the former director of sports medicine. The lawsuit accused Murphy of misconduct under the guise of treatment, and also named N.C. State athletic officials connected to oversight responsibilities.
Wake County Superior Court Judge Bryan Collins ruled to dismiss the claims on procedural grounds. The lawsuit was initially filed in February, following a federal lawsuit in 2022 when an individual athlete raised similar allegations. The accusations involved Murphy’s inappropriate behavior, such as improper touching during massages and undue observation during drug test procedures.
Judge Collins sided with a motion from Murphy’s legal team, highlighting that the statute of limitations had expired for claims dating back to 2013. Apart from Murphy, the claims against athletic officials like former athletic director Debbie Yow and current director Boo Corrigan were also dismissed due to jurisdictional issues.
Kery Sutton, representing the former athletes, said they intend to appeal the judge’s decision. Sutton clarified that the dismissal was based on legal procedure rather than the merits of the sexual abuse claims. He shared plans to introduce new claims as more athletes come forward.
Murphy’s attorney, Jared Hammett, maintained that the accusations were unfounded, describing Murphy as dedicated to serving athletes. Hammett expressed satisfaction with the case’s dismissal, highlighting that they supported someone in need of defense.
Only two athletes used their actual names in the lawsuit, including Benjamin Locke, a former men’s soccer player who initiated the case in August 2022.
N.C. State University issued a statement denouncing any form of sexual misconduct. They emphasized their commitment to the health and safety of their students and athletes.