Nine former NC State athletes allege sexual abuse by ex-trainer Robert Murphy, detailing non-consensual genital exams and inappropriate medical procedures. Murphy, who left the university in 2022, faced a Title IX investigation after soccer player Ben Locke reported misconduct in 2022. The probe found Murphy’s actions violated school policy, though the university has not commented on ongoing civil litigation joined by 30 plaintiffs.

Abuse spanned a decade, with victims describing invasive treatments under the guise of care. One alleged victim, John Doe 1, recalled Murphy manipulating his genitalia during hip wrap procedures, while another, John Doe 29, underwent 40+ massages and unproven ultrasound treatments on his scrotum. Medical experts confirmed such procedures lack therapeutic basis, highlighting institutional negligence.

Cultural barriers prevented athletes from speaking out, as noted by Locke. Division I athletes, conditioned to endure pain, struggled to reconcile their identities as “strong” competitors with victimhood. Murphy’s lawyer claimed his actions were “within professional scope,” but redacted documents confirm university officials were aware of complaints dating to 2014 without intervention.

NC State’s repeated refusal to address allegations underscores systemic failures. Despite Locke’s lawsuit and criminal investigations, the school’s stock response—“health and safety are paramount”—ringed hollow. The case exposes gaps in Title IX enforcement and accountability for male victims, with Murphy’s civil trial looming as a pivotal moment for institutional reckoning.