Judge dismisses lawsuit by former NC State athletes alleging misconduct by ex-head trainer

A North Carolina judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by 31 former male athletes from North Carolina State University, who alleged sexual abuse by Robert M. Murphy Jr., the former director of sports medicine. The lawsuit claimed harassment and misconduct, but Wake County Superior Court Judge Bryan Collins dismissed the case on procedural grounds, stating that the statute of limitations had expired for claims dating back to 2013. Collins also dismissed claims against N.C. State athletic officials, including former athletic director Debbie Yow and current athletic director Boo Corrigan, on jurisdictional grounds. Kery Sutton, representing the former athletes, announced plans to appeal the decision and indicated that new claims would be added. Murphy's attorney, Jared Hammett, stated that the dismissal was based solely on legal procedure and defended Murphy's character. Only two athletes in the lawsuit did not use pseudonyms to protect their identities, one of whom is Benjamin Locke, a former soccer player who initiated the original lawsuit in August 2022. N.C. State University reiterated its commitment to student safety and its stance against sexual misconduct.