Former NC State Athletes File Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Abuse by Trainer

C. -- Former North Carolina State University men's basketball players have filed a federal lawsuit against the university and a former athletic trainer, alleging sexual abuse and misconduct during their time on the team in the 2000s. The plaintiffs, identified as six former players, state that they sought medical assistance for injuries but encountered unwanted physical contact from the trainer, including genital touching.

S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, details incidents occurring between 2002 and 2007. The trainer, who worked for NC State from 1999 to 2012, is named as a defendant alongside the university.

Lawsuit According to the complaint, the trainer's actions violated professional boundaries and constituted sexual harassment and assault.

The plaintiffs report that the misconduct took place in athletic training rooms and during team travel. They allege that university officials failed to address complaints raised at the time, allowing the behavior to continue. The suit claims negligence by NC State in supervising the trainer and responding to reports of abuse.

It seeks monetary damages, including compensation for emotional distress and medical expenses. The plaintiffs, now in their 30s and 40s, describe long-term psychological impacts from the alleged incidents.

State University has stated that it takes such allegations seriously and is reviewing the complaint.

The university's athletic department has faced prior scrutiny over handling of athlete welfare issues. The trainer, now retired, has not publicly commented on the lawsuit as of the filing date. The case arises amid broader discussions in college sports about athlete safety and institutional accountability.

Similar lawsuits have been filed against other universities in recent years, highlighting patterns in athletic training oversight. Legal proceedings are expected to begin with initial court hearings in the coming months. What happens next includes discovery processes where evidence such as witness statements and internal records will be examined.

The outcome could influence policies at NC State and beyond, affecting current and future athletes. Stakeholders, including alumni and sports governing bodies, are monitoring the developments.