Judge dismisses lawsuit by 31 former NC State athletes alleging sexual abuse, misconduct by ex-head trainer
Judge Dismisses 31 NC State Athletes' Lawsuit Over Ex-Head Trainer's Alleged Abuse
Judge dismisses lawsuit by 31 former - A Wake County Superior Court judge recently dismissed a lawsuit involving 31 former NC State athletes who alleged sexual abuse and misconduct by the university’s ex-head trainer, Robert M. Murphy Jr. The case, which initially focused on one athlete’s claims, grew to include 31 individuals who accused Murphy of inappropriate behavior during massages and drug tests. Judge Bryan Collins ruled the lawsuit invalid on procedural grounds, emphasizing that the statute of limitations had expired. This decision has raised questions about how athletes can navigate the legal system to seek justice for past misconduct.
Legal Challenges and Timeline of the Case
The lawsuit began in 2022 when a single athlete first reported concerns about Murphy’s conduct, which led to the filing of a federal case. By February of this year, the number of plaintiffs had grown to 31, each asserting that Murphy engaged in sexual misconduct over several years. However, Collins determined that the claims against Murphy and NC State officials were no longer valid due to the statute of limitations. The ruling underscores the importance of timing in legal cases, particularly when addressing historical allegations.
NC State’s athletic officials, including former director Debbie Yow and current director Boo Corrigan, were also named in the lawsuit. Collins dismissed their involvement, citing jurisdictional issues. The school argued the case should have been filed in federal court, but the judge found state court procedures sufficient to end the litigation. This move highlights how procedural rules can shape the outcome of high-profile cases involving institutional misconduct.
Plaintiffs' Appeal and Legal Strategy
Kery Sutton, the plaintiffs’ attorney, called the dismissal a setback for the athletes’ pursuit of justice. “The Judge Dismisses Lawsuit by 31 Former NC State Athletes based on technicalities, not the truth of the claims,” Sutton said. The legal team plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the statute of limitations should not have expired for these long-standing allegations. They believe the ruling could discourage future victims from coming forward, as legal barriers may delay accountability.
Despite the dismissal, the plaintiffs remain committed to their cause. Two athletes, including Benjamin Locke—a men’s soccer player—chose to use their real names, adding credibility to the case. Locke’s initial complaint in August 2022 became the foundation for the broader claims against Murphy and the athletics program. The lawsuit alleged that Murphy’s behavior created a culture of harassment within the university’s sports department.
Defendants’ Defense and Legal Justifications
Robert M. Murphy Jr.’s attorney, Jared Hammett, defended the dismissal, stating it was a fair legal outcome. “The Judge Dismisses Lawsuit by 31 Former NC State Athletes not because the abuse didn’t occur, but due to procedural deadlines,” Hammett explained. He argued that the statute of limitations ensures cases are resolved promptly, preventing delays that could weaken evidence or witness testimony.
Hammett also highlighted Murphy’s dedication to athletics, calling him a “respected figure in the sports community.” While the lawsuit focused on sexual misconduct, the defense emphasized the importance of adhering to legal standards. “This is a common aspect of the judicial process,” Hammett said, “and it applies equally to all cases, regardless of their impact.”
NC State’s Commitment to Accountability
In response to the dismissal, NC State reaffirmed its stance against sexual misconduct. “The Judge Dismisses Lawsuit by 31 Former NC State Athletes, but our commitment to addressing such issues remains strong,” the university stated in a public release. It emphasized that the safety of students and athletes is a top priority, even as it acknowledged the procedural basis for the ruling.
The school’s statement came amid ongoing scrutiny of its handling of misconduct allegations. While the dismissal may seem to weaken the case, university officials argued that it does not negate the allegations themselves. “The truth of the claims still stands,” they noted, “and we continue to support efforts to hold individuals accountable for their actions.”