NC State Mens Team…

Former male athletes from North Carolina State have come forward alleging sexual abuse and harassment by former trainer Robert Murphy. They described enduring inappropriate conduct that was masked as medical treatment.

While the athletes left the program, Murphy continued in his position, they claim, despite numerous warning signs raised by many.

Eleven former players, representing various NC State teams from 2013 to 2024—including nine who are part of an ongoing civil lawsuit against the university—shared their stories with ESPN, primarily on the condition of anonymity.

The alleged misconduct included inappropriate touching of their genitals and non-standard drug testing procedures that required them to be nearly nude in Murphy’s presence.

One former athlete recounted approaching Murphy about back pain, only to be subjected to an unwanted treatment involving the trainer’s hands in his shorts, stating, “One is on my penis and the other is pretty much on my anus.”

He expressed feeling paralyzed and unsure of how to react, saying, “I kind of just froze.” After the encounter, he chose to shower at home rather than at the training facility, grappling with disbelief over what had transpired.

The athletes revealed their reluctance to speak out about these experiences until former soccer player Ben Locke’s report to campus police prompted a Title IX investigation in 2022, which later evolved into a civil lawsuit that has since seen 30 additional former players join.

Furthermore, there is an active state criminal investigation concerning Murphy, who left his position at the university in 2022.

In response to ESPN’s inquiries, NC State reiterated their commitment to student-athlete safety, stating that “sexual misconduct of any kind is unacceptable” while noting that they cannot comment further due to ongoing legal proceedings.

On April 2, ESPN reported that the Title IX investigation determined Murphy had engaged in sexual misconduct towards Locke, and sources revealed that university officials were aware of complaints against him as far back as 2014 but did not take decisive action.

Locke emphasized the multifaceted nature of why many men hesitate to report their abuse, particularly when the perpetrator is male, quoting a common belief that as men, “I should be able to defend myself.”

He pointed out that the prevailing sentiment seems to be, “I should be able to confront and stand up to him.” Locke noted that being a Division 1 college athlete intensifies these feelings, adding to the pressure to remain silent.

NC State did not respond to additional requests for comment, having previously communicated their commitment to athlete safety.

Murphy’s attorney has not commented but had previously argued in court that Murphy acted within the scope of his professional duties and that the claims against him are time-barred under state law.

Dismissing their abuse as inconsequential, the men interviewed by ESPN expressed deep emotions, some brought to tears while recounting their experiences.

JOHN DOE 1, a transfer to NC State in 2013, is described as one of Murphy’s earliest alleged victims. He recounts that his years of training as a top athlete conditioned him to dismiss pain and continue moving forward, a habit he maintained even after what he alleges was Murphy’s early sexual abuse.

Nearly a decade later, he was shocked into remembrance upon hearing Locke’s accusations against Murphy, stating, “I’m sitting there in shock thinking, ‘Oh my God, everything I thought happened did happen.’ I’m a victim of this.”

Redacted documents sourced by ESPN reveal that the Title IX investigation focusing on Locke’s allegations found that Murphy made unwanted contact of a sexual nature with the former soccer player, classifying the behavior as sufficiently severe and prevalent to violate university policy.

John Doe 1 shared his familiarity with standard athletic treatment protocols from previous experiences. He noted that, contrary to protocols from his prior institution, Murphy insisted he be entirely unclothed for treatment, during which inappropriate actions were taken that made him exceedingly uncomfortable.

Multiple individuals confirmed that they shared similar experiences with Murphy regarding inappropriate wrapping techniques during treatment.

Murphy justified his methods during the Title IX investigation, asserting that his technique works better on bare skin. John Doe 1, feeling violated, avoided Murphy for weeks until pressured by coaching staff to return.

Another former player, referred to as John Doe 29, who played from 2017 to 2018, alleged that Murphy abused him shortly after his arrival at NC State. Diagnosed with a sports hernia, he described how Murphy frequently performed inappropriate massages, ultimately leading to further invasive treatments that raised concerns about the legitimacy of his care.

Medical professionals consulted by ESPN confirmed that the treatments described did not align with industry standards and raised significant concerns about their appropriateness.

John Doe 29 later transferred to another Division 1 school, where he recognized that the treatment he received from Murphy was inappropriate when compared to the standard provided by his new trainers.

Keiran Shanahan, who wrestled for NC State from 2019 to 2020, also plans to join the lawsuit, detailing an incident during his rehabilitation where Murphy conducted inappropriate actions that left him feeling violated.

Parker Cross, another plaintiff, played for the men’s soccer team in 2020 and 2021 and recounted similar experiences, expressing profound discomfort at Murphy’s touching.

THE FORMER ATHLETES expressed deep frustration over NC State’s apparent negligence in preventing a decade’s worth of alleged abuse by Murphy.

“They knew. They knew everything,” John Doe 1 stated, paralleling the situation to abuse cases at Ohio State and Michigan State.

Shanahan shared a screenshot of a 2020 annual survey allegedly highlighting concerns about Murphy’s conduct, underscoring a culture of silence and complicity.

In addition to alleged sexual abuse, these athletes noted Murphy often blurred professional boundaries with inappropriate comments regarding personal matters.

Tensions boiled when athletes expressed disbelief when hearing complaints about Murphy from fellow teammates, highlighting a culture of denial within the athletic community.

Locke expressed that the training room had become more of a social area for Murphy than a place for healing. “There were times you’d walk in and no one was actually receiving treatment,” he recounted.

Numerous players indicated Murphy frequently intruded into areas typically reserved for athletes, such as locker rooms and showers, further enhancing the unease surrounding his presence.

Murphy claimed he was only doing his job by entering these spaces to instruct athletes on treatment protocols.

Former athletes disagreed, reporting a discomfort that was unmistakable, stating that Murphy’s behavior crossed appropriateness boundaries.

REGARDING THEIR HESITANCE to report, several athletes expressed a focus on performance that overshadowed their discomfort with Murphy’s actions. John Doe 27 highlighted a relentless drive to heal and compete, ultimately stifling their voices.

John Doe 1 recognized his own naivety, describing his situation as that of a “19-year-old kid.” A.J. Duffy of the National Athletic Trainers Association stressed the need for institutions to foster an environment where student-athletes can raise concerns transparently.

Locke confronted the complex emotions associated with acknowledging the abuse, stating, “It felt wrong.” Shanahan further noted that adjusting from high school athleticism to collegiate life compounds discomfort in speaking out.

Laura McGuire, an expert on Title IX issues, explained the misconceptions surrounding male victims of abuse, emphasizing that physical strength does not negate the psychological trauma associated with such experiences.

Many athletes indicated their hesitation in addressing the abuse, often rationalizing or discrediting their experiences to cope with pain.

When these former athletes finally shared their stories, the responses varied among family, friends, and teammates. Some stood by Locke, affirming his truth, while others dismissed him, illustrating the ongoing stigma associated with these issues.

Locke recounted facing backlash from peers who questioned his honesty and even defended Murphy’s actions. Shanahan highlighted similar experiences where others trivialized the severity of Murphy’s behavior.

Today, the 11 men who shared their stories express a range of emotions and coping mechanisms, with some seeking therapy while others struggle to articulate their experiences publicly. A common desire persists among them—to be believed and to foster healing.

“I want men to find healing,” Locke stated, asserting the importance of community support and understanding among those who have suffered similar experiences.