Sixteen former Michigan hockey players have filed a federal lawsuit alleging sexual abuse during team hazing, accusing coaches of allowing the conduct to continue.
The players attended the University of Michigan between 1984 and 2001. Their complaint, filed September 9 in federal court in Detroit, names the university and its board of regents as defendants. Michigan disputes the allegations and denies liability.
Former players describe abuse during team initiations
The plaintiffs, identified anonymously as John Does, allege teammates subjected them to forced nudity, unwanted sexual contact and degrading initiation rituals.
PEOPLE’s review of the complaint describes allegations involving players as young as 17. The former players say coercion and staff acceptance helped normalize the abuse within the program.
Complaint alleges coaches knew about the conduct
The lawsuit alleges former head coach Red Berenson and assistant Mel Pearson knew about and encouraged the abuse. According to Athletic Business’s coverage, neither coach is a named defendant.
Berenson disputed the account in comments reported by the Associated Press. He told MLive nobody complained to him and denied direction or encouragement from coaches or administrators. He declined to comment to AP.
Michigan disputes responsibility
In the university’s response published by Athletic Business, spokesperson Paul Corliss described the allegations as disturbing but said portions of the complaint were misleading.
Michigan says any hazing violated university policy. The university points to its anti-hazing policy, adopted in 1982, and annual misconduct-prevention training for current athletes.
Players seek damages and prevention training
The complaint alleges sex discrimination under Title IX. The relief sought by the former players includes unspecified damages, legal expenses and an order requiring sexualized-hazing prevention training for Michigan athletes.
The complaint presents the former players’ allegations. Filing a lawsuit does not establish liability.