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Fox News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
More former Indiana basketball players allege sexual misconduct by ex-team doctor
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. Last fall, former Hoosier players Haris Mujezinovic and Charlie Miller filed a lawsuit against Bradford Bomba Sr., who died last month. The suit claimed the two were sexually abused by Bomba during their time playing for Indiana. That lawsuit, which was filed in October, now has five ex-athletes named in it, while 10 additional men are planning to pursue litigation against Indiana, per ESPN. "I have two sons who are the same age that I was when that happened to me," Mujezinovic, who played for the Hoosiers in the late 1990s, said in an email to ESPN. "At the time, I viewed myself as an adult, but now I realize, looking at my own kids, how young and powerless me and my teammates actually were. "The adults within the basketball program who were entrusted with our care knew what was happening to us. They joked about it and let it continue." Bomba routinely gave male athletes rectal exams during their physicals despite no medical recommendations to do so, according to the lawsuit. Bomba worked as the men's basketball physician for almost 30 years. Longtime trainer Tim Garl was listed as a defendant in January after another former player, John Flowers, joined the lawsuit. Flowers said Garl was aware of Bomba's "invasive, harassing, and demeaning digital rectal examinations." "After his first physical, Flowers's teammates told him he had 'passed' Dr. Bomba, Sr.'s 'test,' and that he would not have to undergo a digital rectal examination again," the lawsuit states. "Garl laughed at Flowers and his freshman teammates and made jokes at their expense regarding the digital rectal examinations they endured." Players allegedly complained about the exams, some of which said they wished to have a different physician look at them in the future. However, Knight and Garl continued to have players see Bomba. Another player, Butch Carter, who played for Indiana in the late 1970s, wrote in a letter that he told Knight he never wanted to see Bomba again. The letter is in the lawsuit, though Carter is not a part of the lawsuit. An outside investigation was done to look further into the allegations, and it found that rectal exams are a normal part of a physical. Indiana also released a statement in September 2024 saying they would be conducting an independent review. Indiana hired the law firm Jones Day to conduct the investigation, which involved speaking with "100 individuals," going through "10,000 emails," and reviewing "more than 100,000 pages of physical documents spanning six decades," according to the report released on April 25. With Bomba's death last month, and the outside investigation clearing him of sexual misconduct, the legal path for these players will be a difficult one. But Michelle Simpson Tuegel, who is representing the 10 men prepared to file their lawsuit, states two of her clients have stories contradicting those findings, saying Bomba's actions were not sexual, per ESPN. One of the men, who played in the late 1990s for the Hoosiers, claimed Bomba "fondled his genitalia" during a physical. Indiana University told Fox News Digital it does not comment on litigation. Additionally, the university pointed to the Jones Day investigation results as reference. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Bobby Knight and Indiana officials 'knew about sex abuse allegations against team doctor', new accusers claim
The late Bobby Knight and other high-ranking Indiana University officials were aware of improper sexual contact claims against deceased athletic department physician Dr. Bradford Bomba but failed to act, according to new allegations published by ESPN. Two former Hoosiers players sued the school last fall over the allegations, but they have since been joined in their lawsuit by five more claimants with another 10 expected to join, according to ESPN. In the existing lawsuit, former players allege that Bomba regularly performed rectal exams on male athletes during physicals despite the fact that medical guidance did not recommend them for college-age men. The accusers say Indiana officials, including Knight, ignored complaints by players and instead ordered them to continue being examined by Bomba. The lawsuit argued that this amounted to sexual misconduct, and it claimed university officials were aware of this behavior, yet failed to stop it. During his initial deposition a year ago, Bomba refused to answer 45 questions by invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. He died last month at 89 after a federal judge ruled he was not competent to be further deposed in the matter. Last month, Indiana commissioned an investigation that found Bomba's digital rectal exams were performed in a 'clinically appropriate manner,' adding that there was 'no evidence to suggest that Dr. Bomba achieved sexual gratification.' The report claimed players would 'joke or engage in what they characterized as 'locker room banter"' about Bomba's exams. Garl described the behavior as 'razzing' and claimed no player ever complained about the exams to him as 'being inappropriate or sexual in any manner.' However, Michelle Simpson Tuegel - representing the group of 10 players who are preparing to file suit – said two of her clients contradict that finding. One individual said Bomba 'fondled his genitalia' during a physical. Some medical experts indicated that it was uncommon for a physician to perform a rectal exam without any concerning history or symptoms. These procedures are generally used to screen for prostate and other cancers. In the 1990s, the American Cancer Society recommended them for men who were 50 and older. Former Toronto Raptors coach and Hoosiers guard Butch Carter is not a plaintiff in the suit but ESPN reported he gave a sworn statement describing his own experiences with Bomba. In his statement, previously reported in March, Carter claimed he told Knight about the problem, but the legendary Hoosiers coach and head athletic trainer Tim Garl ordered him to see Bomba anyway. Other claimants have made similar allegations. An Indiana University spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing pending litigation. Daily Mail has also sought comment from representatives of the Bomba family, Garl, and Knight Legacy LLC, the company owned by the Hall-of-Fame coach's son, Pat. Garl, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, was the head athletic trainer from 1981 until this year, when Indiana said it would not renew his contract. Garl's attorneys spoke to ESPN, claiming the trainer did not supervise Bomba and adding that rectal exams were a normal part of a physical. Knight was among the winningest and most controversial coaches in the sport, finishing his career with 902 victories in 42 seasons at Army, Indiana and Texas Tech while mentoring some of America's best coaches.. He also coached the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in 1984. The Hall of Famer cared little what others thought of him, choosing Frank Sinatra's 'My Way' to celebrate his 880th win in 2007, then the record for a Division I men's coach. He was nicknamed 'The General' and his trademark temper also cost him his job at Indiana in 2000. He once hit a police officer in Puerto Rico, threw a chair across the court and was accused of wrapping his hands around a player's neck. Knight died in 2023 after battling a number of health issues. The case against Indiana and Bomba is reminiscent of other Big 10 scandals, including sexual abuse convictions of former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky and ex-Michigan State doctor Larry Nassar, as well as major lawsuits against Ohio State and Michigan over similar claims about physicians at those schools. Sandusky's arrest would ultimately tarnish the legacy of legendary Nittany Lions football coach Joe Paterno, who died during the mushrooming 2012 scandal, as well as late Wolverines football coach Bo Schembechler. In Schembechler's case, his son Matt was among the accusers of Dr. Robert Anderson. Matt Schembechler has since accused his late father of failing to protect him from Anderson, who died in 2008. The Ohio State scandal involved allegations of sexual abuse against Dr. Richard Strauss, who died by suicide in 2005. Several ex-Buckeyes wrestlers accused former head coach Russ Hellickson and U.S. representative Jim Jordan – an assistant coach on the team – of ignoring abuse claims between 1987 and 1994.
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
More former Indiana basketball players allege sexual misconduct by physician
More than 15 former Indiana men's basketball players allege improper sexual conduct by a former team physician, and they claim that university officials – including the late coach Bobby Knight – knew of the doctor's behavior. Two former Hoosiers sued the school last fall, but the number of complainants has grown to five with another 10 expecting to also pursue litigation, according to ESPN on Tuesday. In the existing lawsuit, former players allege that Dr. Bradford Bomba, who died last month at the age of 89, regularly performed rectal exams on male athletes during physicals despite the fact that medical guidance did not recommend them for college-age men. The lawsuit argued that this amounted to sexual misconduct, and it claimed university officials were aware of this behavior, yet failed to stop it. The players said that they raised complaints, with some even requesting a different physician. However, the athletes alleged that Knight, who died in 2023, and head athletic trainer Tim Garl instructed players to continue seeing Bomba. Garl, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, was the head athletic trainer from 1981 until this year, when Indiana said it would not renew his contract. Garl's attorneys, emphasizing that the trainer did not supervise Bomba, noted that rectal exams were a normal part of a physical. During his initial deposition a year ago, Bomba refused to answer 45 questions by invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Last month, Indiana commissioned an investigation that found Bomba's digital rectal exams were performed in a 'clinically appropriate manner', adding that there was 'no evidence to suggest that Dr Bomba achieved sexual gratification'. However, Michelle Simpson Tuegel – representing the group of 10 players who are preparing to file suit – said two of her clients contradict that finding. One individual said Bomba 'fondled his genitalia' during a physical. Some medical experts indicated that it was uncommon for a physician to perform a rectal exam without any concerning history or symptoms. These procedures are generally used to screen for prostate and other cancers. In the 1990s, the American Cancer Society recommended them for men who were 50 and older. An Indiana University spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing pending litigation.
Reuters
6 days ago
- Health
- Reuters
More former Indiana players allege sexual misconduct by physician
June 3 - More than 15 former Indiana men's basketball players allege improper sexual conduct by a former team physician, and they claim that university officials -- including the late coach Bobby Knight -- knew of the doctor's behavior. Two former Hoosiers sued the school last fall, but the number of complainants has grown to five with another 10 expecting to also pursue litigation, according to ESPN on Tuesday. In the existing lawsuit, former players allege that Dr. Bradford Bomba, who died last month at the age of 89, regularly performed rectal exams on male athletes during physicals despite the fact that medical guidance did not recommend them for college-age men. The lawsuit argued that this amounted to sexual misconduct, and it claimed university officials were aware of this behavior, yet failed to stop it. The players said that they raised complaints, with some even requesting a different physician. However, the athletes alleged that Knight, who died in 2023, and head athletic trainer Tim Garl instructed players to continue seeing Bomba. Garl, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, was the head athletic trainer from 1981 until this year, when Indiana said it would not renew his contract. Garl's attorneys, emphasizing that the trainer did not supervise Bomba, noted that rectal exams were a normal part of a physical. During his initial deposition a year ago, Bomba refused to answer 45 questions by invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Last month, Indiana commissioned an investigation that found Bomba's digital rectal exams were performed in a "clinically appropriate manner," adding that there was "no evidence to suggest that Dr. Bomba achieved sexual gratification." However, Michelle Simpson Tuegel -- representing the group of 10 players who are preparing to file suit -- said two of her clients contradict that finding. One individual said Bomba "fondled his genitalia" during a physical. Some medical experts indicated that it was uncommon for a physician to perform a rectal exam without any concerning history or symptoms. These procedures are generally used to screen for prostate and other cancers. In the 1990s, the American Cancer Society recommended them for men who were 50 and older. An Indiana University spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing pending litigation. --Field Level Media
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Michael Jordan autograph, luxury getaways up for bid in auction for Detroit students
A private plane trip to Mackinac Island with a weekend stay at the Inn at Stonecliffe, along with autographed items from legends like Michael Jordan, Bobby Knight and Billy Sims, are among the standout items in an auction benefiting Detroit Cristo Rey High School. The silent auction — part of a rooftop benefit at the Godfrey Hotel Detroit on Friday, May 16 — is currently live and open to the public online, though tickets to the in-person event have already sold out. Detroit Cristo Rey, located in southwest Detroit, is a coeducational Catholic high school open to students of all faiths. It offers a college preparatory education and a unique work-study program. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate since its first graduating class in 2012. Proceeds from the auction will help support students as they prepare for college and careers. "Our population of students comes from limited economic means," said the school's VP of communications and auction coordinator, Nicole Gize. More: Scrap yard fire in SW Detroit stinks up several cities in Wayne County; air tests clear Students help cover the cost of their tuition by working one day a week from freshman through senior year at more than 60 companies, including "Henry Ford Health, Corwell Health, Visit Detroit and General Motors, just to name a few,' Gize added. Philanthropic efforts, grants, and donations, including events like the May 16 auction, help cover about 45% of Detroit Cristo Rey students' college tuition costs. Other auction items up for grabs include a cruise on Lake St. Clair, a group retreat on Lake Huron, tickets to Detroit Tigers and Red Wings games, more signed sports memorabilia, a night at the Godfrey Hotel, a year's supply of Dutch Girl donuts, Bundt cakes, expensive wines and more. Bidders can browse and place offers online through the school's auction site. The silent auction closes at 9 p.m. on Friday, May 16. An anonymous donor has pledged a $150,000 matching gift to support the gala; all donations made through May 30 will be matched dollar for dollar, effectively doubling their impact. Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@ Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bid on luxury trips, rare sports memorabilia in Detroit school auction
