More former men’s basketball players for Indiana University have come forward alleging sexual misconduct by a former team physician, while stating school officials, including the late head coach Bobby Knight, were aware of the situation. The allegations, which have been shared in multiple lawsuits, highlight the widespread nature of the issue, with at least 15 players reporting instances of abuse during their time with the university team. The claims have prompted both legal and institutional responses, as the case continues to evolve. Players have described being subjected to unnecessary and invasive procedures, including digital rectal exams, which they say were more than standard medical practice and were carried out with a sexual intent.
One of the prominent allegations comes from Haris Mujezinovic, a former player who played for the Hoosiers in the late 1990s. In an email to ESPN, Mujezinovic shared his experience in the lawsuit, stating that he had two sons of the same age as he was when the abuse occurred. He expressed regret for not recognizing at the time how vulnerable he and his teammates actually were. Mujezinovic also alleged that university officials, who were entrusted with their welfare, were complicit in the abuse, joking about it and allowing it to continue. These claims underscore the severity and the institutional failure that may have occurred, suggesting that even in a sport with a strong emphasis on performance and discipline, the ethical boundaries may have been breached.
The university has responded to the allegations by hiring the law firm Jones Day to conduct an independent review. The review, which spanned across decades of data, included speaking with 100 individuals, reviewing 10,000 emails, and examining over 100,000 documents. The report, released on April 25, concluded that rectal exams are a standard part of a physical and were not necessarily indicative of sexual misconduct. However, the survivors and their legal representatives argue that these findings do not justify the actions taken by the medical staff. Michelle Simpson Tuegel, an attorney representing ten men who plan to join the lawsuit, has stated that the reports contradict the claims made by the university and that the university’s attempt to shift responsibility onto the findings of the Jones Day firm is questionable in its motives.
Among the players, some have spoken out about their experiences, highlighting that they felt powerless and lacked the knowledge to seek help. Butch Carter, a player from the late 1970s, wrote in a letter to the university that he had told Coach Knight he never wanted to see Bomba again, a letter that is now part of the lawsuit. Despite this, the university continued to have players see Bomba, a situation that has raised questions about the university’s response to the claims. The legal battle is expected to be challenging, especially with Bomba’s death last month, which could impact the litigation. However, the survivors’ legal team is determined to see these cases through, arguing that the university’s stance is an attempt to avoid accountability rather than a genuine effort to address the issue.