Former Indiana Basketball Players Allege Sexual Misconduct; Claim Bobby Knight Aware

Updated‍ June 3, 2025

At ‍least 15 former Indiana University men’s basketball players are accusing a former team physician of improper sexual conduct,‍ alleging that school officials, including the late coach⁤ Bobby⁣ Knight, were aware of⁣ the behavior. The allegations of sexual misconduct and claims of a cover-up have‍ resurfaced ‍in an amended lawsuit against the university.

Attorney Michelle Simpson Tuegel, representing the plaintiffs, said that five former athletes are ‍now named in the suit, with 10 additional men planning to pursue litigation against Indiana University.The case centers around claims against Dr. Bradford⁣ Bomba, who‍ served as a team physician for nearly 30 years.

Despite Bomba’s death last month ⁣and an⁢ external ⁢investigation ⁢clearing him of wrongdoing, the men say they are compelled to share their stories. They aim to protect others from similar experiences, alleging that ⁤the adults within the ⁣basketball program knew about the abuse and ‍allowed it to continue.

Haris Mujezinovic, an original plaintiff who played⁣ for Indiana in the late 1990s, stated in an email ⁤that those entrusted with their care ⁣knew what was happening. He added that they⁤ joked about it and let it continue.

The lawsuit alleges that Bomba routinely performed unnecessary rectal exams on male athletes during physicals. Players claim they complained about the exams, with some requesting⁣ to see a different physician. However, they allege that Knight and head athletic trainer Tim Garl ‍mandated that players ‍see Bomba regardless.

Butch Carter, who played at Indiana ⁣in the late 1970s, stated in a⁤ letter included⁢ in the ⁢lawsuit that he complained multiple times to⁢ Knight about bomba’s abusive behavior⁤ during physical examinations. Carter is not a plaintiff but provided a sworn statement.

Garl, also named as a defendant, served as head athletic trainer from⁣ 1981 untill this year. His‍ attorneys argue that the complaints were filed too ⁤late‍ and that Garl did not supervise Bomba in any relevant sense.They also cited the outside investigation, wich reportedly found rectal exams to be a normal part of ⁣a physical.

A ⁤university spokesman ⁤declined to comment on the⁤ pending litigation.

The allegations against bomba and Indiana university echo similar‍ cases involving sexual abuse allegations against‍ team doctors at ‍other universities, including Michigan and Ohio State.These cases have resulted in multimillion-dollar settlements and criminal convictions.

Kathleen Delaney, the attorney ‍who‍ filed the lawsuit, plans ⁤to present evidence that ⁢Bomba invoked his ⁤Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during his deposition. She intends for ‍the jury to draw adverse inferences⁣ from his refusal to answer questions.

The investigation⁢ commissioned ⁤by Indiana University concluded ‍that⁣ Bomba’s digital rectal exams were performed ‍in a clinically appropriate ‍manner.It found no evidence to suggest that Bomba⁤ achieved‍ sexual gratification. The investigation involved interviews with 100 individuals and a review of thousands of⁣ documents.

Though, Simpson Tuegel contends that she has clients whose experiences contradict the investigation’s findings. One client stated that Bomba fondled his genitalia during a physical, while another, a high school minor at⁣ the time, ⁣was subjected to⁤ a rectal⁤ exam‍ at bomba’s clinic.

Medical experts cited in⁣ the Jones⁣ Day report acknowledged that Bomba’s use‍ of rectal exams in⁤ young men without any ‍concerning history or ⁢symptoms was uncommon. However, they differed on⁤ whether the practice was inappropriate, considering the evolution of medical standards.

The report⁢ also noted that players would joke about Bomba’s exams within earshot of staff. Garl characterized this ⁤as harmless ⁣”razzing” and stated that no players ever complained about the exams being ⁣inappropriate or⁣ sexual.

Indiana university has ⁢argued ‍that the ex-athletes’ claims are invalid due to ⁢the state’s two-year statute of limitations for sexual assault claims in civil litigation.

The ⁣plaintiffs’ attorneys are drawing ⁢parallels to the Ohio State case involving Dr.Richard Strauss, where‍ an ⁢appeals court ruled that the statute of limitations began only when athletes knew or should have known that university administrators failed to address Strauss’s conduct.

The former Hoosiers also face challenges due to a Supreme Court⁣ ruling that limits damages for emotional distress in federal Title IX claims. In their initial demand letter, attorneys requested $5 million for Mujezinovic’s claim. They have ‍since added claims of negligence against Indiana University and other claims against the school and garl.

A magistrate judge ruled on ⁣May 22 that the plaintiffs can proceed with gathering records and facts, including questioning⁣ Garl, while the presiding district court judge decides whether to dismiss ⁤the claims.

One of garl’s attorneys, Christopher Lee, stated that he expects a ruling soon.He also asserted that the ⁤Jones Day report confirms that digital rectal exams were a normal ⁢and required part of a complete physical examination at the time.

the ‍former players who initiated the lawsuit and those⁣ who have recently come forward say they are ⁤motivated by their own children.Charlie Miller, one of the original plaintiffs, said his four children are watching and‍ learning from⁤ how he handles the situation.

One of Simpson Tuegel’s clients, who requested anonymity, said he knows players ‍who spoke to ‍the Jones day investigators and ⁣are disappointed by their findings. He stated⁤ that ⁤regardless of the outcome, the process has validated his feelings.

“I knew that guy was ⁤wrong, and I knew that something wasn’t right ⁤about it,” he said.

What’s next

The case is currently in the revelation ⁤phase, with a judge expected to rule on whether the claims will be dismissed. The legal proceedings could perhaps reveal more details about the alleged misconduct and the university’s response.