Full Breakdown
Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Former NC State Trainer
4/10/2026, 4:37:32 AM
Disturbing Allegations Surface
Several former male athletes from North Carolina State University (NC State) have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse and harassment against Robert Murphy, a former athletic trainer at the university. According to a report by ESPN, eleven athletes who played for the Wolfpack between 2013 and 2024 detailed incidents where Murphy allegedly used the pretext of medical treatment to engage in inappropriate conduct. This included unwanted touching and non-standard drug testing procedures that required athletes to be nude while he observed them.
The allegations have led to a civil lawsuit involving 31 plaintiffs, with nine of the athletes participating in the case. One athlete, referred to as John Doe 1 in court documents, recounted an incident where he experienced unwanted touching while seeking treatment for back pain. He expressed confusion and distress after the encounter, stating, "Did this really just happen?"
Institutional Response and Investigations
The allegations against Murphy have prompted significant scrutiny of NC State's handling of the situation. A Title IX investigation initiated after a complaint by former soccer player Ben Locke in 2022 concluded that Murphy's conduct was "unwelcome and of a sexual nature," and noted that such behavior was "pervasive" and "sufficiently severe." Investigators were informed that concerns about Murphy's behavior had been raised as early as 2014 or 2015, with former men's soccer coach Kelly Findley reporting issues to the university in 2016.
Murphy left NC State in 2022, and a state criminal investigation into his actions is currently ongoing. The university has stated that the health and safety of students and student-athletes is a priority, although specific comments regarding the allegations were not provided.
Perspectives from Survivors
The athletes who have come forward have expressed the emotional toll of their experiences. Locke emphasized the stigma surrounding male victims of abuse, noting societal expectations that male athletes should be able to defend themselves. He remarked, "I've got to feel that for the rest of my life, that this [expletive] has touched me." This sentiment reflects a broader issue of underreporting and disbelief faced by male survivors of sexual violence.
Conclusion and Resources
The allegations against Robert Murphy highlight serious concerns regarding athlete safety and institutional accountability within college sports. For individuals affected by sexual violence, resources such as RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline are available, providing confidential support to survivors and their loved ones.
Verbatim Quotes
Official Statements & Responses
NC State stated, "The health and safety of students and student-athletes is paramount to NC State Athletics and the university," in response to the allegations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Title IX investigation found Murphy's conduct to be inappropriate, the university has not publicly detailed the actions taken in response to earlier complaints about his behavior.
