Full Breakdown
Judge Dismisses Lawsuit by 31 Former N.C. State Athletes Alleging Sexual Abuse
6/11/2026, 1:01:43 AM
Dismissal of Abuse Lawsuit
On June 4, 2026, Wake County Superior Court Judge Bryan Collins dismissed a state-court suit filed in February by 31 former North Carolina State University (N.C. State) male athletes. The plaintiffs alleged that former director of sports medicine Robert M. Murphy Jr. sexually abused athletes by genital touching during massages and intrusive observation during urine-sample collection. Collins ruled the claims were barred by statute of limitations, noting earliest alleged incident occurred in 2013, and dismissed related allegations against former athletic director Debbie Yow and current athletic director Boo Corrigan on jurisdictional grounds, directing workplace grievance to the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
Background & Timeline
The lawsuit stems from a federal complaint filed in August 2022 by men’s soccer player Benjamin Locke. Two additional Title IX suits were filed in February and April 2023. Plaintiffs’ attorneys Kerry Sutton and Robert O. Jenkins moved the case to state court in September 2025, arguing state law offered a more suitable forum. Timeline: 2012-2022 – Murphy’s tenure; 2013 – earliest alleged misconduct; Aug 2022 – Locke filing; Feb/Apr 2023 – Title IX suits; Sep 2025 – request for state jurisdiction; Feb 2026 – state suit; Jun 4 2026 – dismissal.
University and Legal Representatives' Statements
N.C. State issued a statement affirming that it does not condone sexual misconduct and that the health and safety of its students and athletes are paramount. The university said it agrees with the court’s analysis and recognizes the courage required to come forward. Murphy’s lawyer, Jared Hammett, described his client as a lifelong professional dedicated to athletes and called the lawsuit a “rush to judgment.”
Plaintiffs' Response and Appeal
Plaintiffs’ counsel Kerry Sutton said the dismissal “has nothing at all to do with Mr. Murphy’s sexual abuse” and emphasized the decision rested on procedural issues. Sutton announced an appeal and indicated new claims will be added for additional men who have recently come forward.
Conflicting Details and Gaps
The source material does not disclose the evidence supporting the allegations nor explain why the North Carolina Industrial Commission was deemed the appropriate venue; no details are provided about any internal university investigation before the lawsuits.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The truth is nothing happened but a man’s career being ruined for money,” — Jared Hammett, Attorney for Murphy
- “someone who dedicated his life to working with athletes.” — Jared Hammett, Attorney for Murphy
- “This dismissal has nothing at all to do with Mr. Murphy’s sexual abuse of these 31 former student-athletes,” — Kerry Sutton, Attorney for plaintiffs
- “N.C. State does not condone sexual misconduct of any kind,” — N.C. State University spokesperson
Next Steps
The plaintiffs have appealed and will add further claims as more former athletes come forward. If the appellate court upholds the dismissal, the case may be referred to the North Carolina Industrial Commission for resolution.
