Investigation Uncovers Inappropriate Touching By NC State Sports Medicine Director Robert Muprhy

Title IX investigators found that North Carolina State sports medicine director Robert Murphy touched players inappropriately while treating them.

NC State filed the Title IX probe in 2022. Investigators determined that Murphy’s inappropriate behavior dates back to 2014. The first reported instance was when men’s soccer coach Kelly Findley reported inappropriate behavior by Murphy to the school. 

A formal investigation didn’t start until January 2022, when men’s soccer player Ben Locke reported Murphy to the NC State campus police department. 

Murphy left the university after the investigations began. Locke is one of three former players suing Murphy. 

Treatment by sports medicine directors can be difficult to discern from sexual assault. Treatment of the genitalia can be a normal part of treatment. However, investigators determined the contact was pervasive and severe. 

Independent doctors looked into the specifics of Locke and other athletes’ injuries. The doctors determined that there was no need for Murphy to touch Locke’s genitalia during the treatment.

Locke was just 17 when he first joined NC State. He already had a long history of injuries. Unfortunately, this made him a perfect target for Murphy. 

“Locke’s statements reflect his perception that he lacked the power to question how Murphy went about administering the treatments and his belief that his status as a student athlete would be compromised if he registered any complaint with Murphy,” The report said, “Accordingly, it is reasonable to conclude that Murphy’s conduct created an intimidating and abusive environment for Locke.”

Murphy said that he did touch Locke’s genitalia, but only for reasons he deemed medically needed. 

Locke transferred from NC State to Lipscomb University. During his time at Lipscomb, no sports medicine director ever touched his genitalia or asked him to remove his underwear.

The independent doctors said that there were rare situations in which removing underwear is medically necessary.