NC State lawsuit update: More former athletes join sex abuse suit vs. ex-trainer – CBS Sports

Report on Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Involving Former NC State Trainer and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of the Lawsuit

The number of alleged victims in the sexual abuse lawsuit against former NC State trainer Robert Murphy Jr. has more than doubled, with 17 additional former male athletes joining as plaintiffs. The amended complaint now includes a total of 31 plaintiffs, representing athletes from eight different sports teams. Initially, three former athletes filed individual lawsuits in 2022 and 2023. The case expanded in September when 11 alleged victims filed a fourth lawsuit.

Allegations and Defendants

• The lawsuit alleges that Robert Murphy engaged in misconduct over multiple years, including improper touching during massages and intrusive observation during drug testing procedures.
• Murphy served at NC State from 2012 to 2022 and was promoted to director of sports medicine in 2018.
• He is one of nine defendants named, including school officials such as former athletic director Debbie Yow, accused of negligence for failing to investigate or prevent Murphy’s actions despite being aware of them.

Institutional Response

A university spokesperson stated:

“The health and safety of students and student-athletes is paramount to NC State Athletics and the university. Sexual misconduct of any kind is unacceptable, prohibited by NC State’s policies, and in direct opposition to the mission, culture and standards of the university. NC State is reviewing the lawsuit and determining appropriate next steps.”

Murphy was placed on administrative leave and subsequently fired in 2022. Earlier reports indicated that concerns about Murphy’s behavior were raised as early as 2012 and 2016 by former men’s soccer coach Kelly Findley, who described the conduct as consistent with “grooming” behavior. Despite requests to remove Murphy from his role, enforcement was reportedly inadequate.

Cultural and Organizational Issues

Attorney Kerry Sutton highlighted a “culture of fear” within the NC State athletics department, where athletes feared losing scholarships, trainers feared reporting misconduct, and coaches and directors feared damaging the university’s reputation. This environment allegedly allowed Murphy to continue abusive behavior unchecked.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The case underscores the critical importance of ensuring safe and supportive environments for student-athletes’ physical and mental health.
• Institutions must implement robust safeguarding measures to protect individuals from abuse and promote well-being.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Educational institutions have a responsibility to foster safe learning and training environments free from harassment and abuse.
• Raising awareness and providing education on sexual misconduct prevention is essential to uphold quality education standards.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

• Although the plaintiffs are male athletes, the case highlights the broader issue of sexual misconduct affecting all genders.
• Promoting gender equality involves addressing power imbalances and ensuring accountability in all institutional settings.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• The lawsuit calls attention to the need for transparent, accountable, and just institutional practices.
• Strong governance and enforcement of policies against sexual misconduct are vital to protect individuals and uphold justice.

Recommendations for Institutional Action

1. Implement comprehensive training programs on sexual misconduct prevention for all staff and athletes.
2. Establish clear reporting mechanisms that protect whistleblowers and victims from retaliation.
3. Conduct regular audits and reviews of institutional policies and their enforcement.
4. Foster a culture of transparency and accountability to rebuild trust within the athletics community.
5. Collaborate with external experts to ensure best practices in safeguarding student-athletes.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses sexual abuse and misconduct affecting the health and well-being of student-athletes.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The issue involves a university setting where student-athletes are part of the educational institution.
   • Ensuring safe learning environments is part of quality education.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Although the victims are male athletes, the issue of sexual abuse relates to gender-based violence and protection of all genders.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The lawsuit involves institutional negligence and lack of accountability within the university’s athletic department.
   • It highlights the need for justice, protection of rights, and strong institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for prevention and treatment of abuse.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • Target 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as sexual abuse and exploitation.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicator for SDG 3 (Health and Well-being)
   • Number of reported cases of sexual abuse and misconduct in educational and sports institutions.
   • Availability and enforcement of health and safety policies protecting athletes.
2. Indicator for SDG 4 (Quality Education)
   • Existence and implementation of safe and non-violent learning environments in universities.
   • Number of complaints and investigations related to abuse in educational settings.
3. Indicator for SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
   • Prevalence of sexual violence cases reported and addressed within institutions.
   • Effectiveness of policies to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation.
4. Indicator for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
   • Number of legal actions, lawsuits, and investigations against institutional negligence.
   • Accountability measures taken by institutions in response to abuse allegations.
   • Transparency and responsiveness of institutions in handling abuse cases.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cbssports.com