Lawsuit claims sexualized 'torture' of hockey players at U-M
None of the 16 plaintiffs is identified in the suit, which includes graphic and shocking allegations
According to a new federal lawsuit filed by 16 unnamed former University of Michigan men's hockey team members, sexualized abuse akin to torture was common among the team from 1984 to 2001. Allegations include forcible shaving of genitals with razors, pubic hair being singed by a blowtorch, and younger players' genitalia being tied to hockey helmets filled with pucks.
The lawsuit alleges that this abuse was ritualized, meticulously planned, and sadistic. The plaintiffs claim that coaches, staff, and administrators were aware of the abuse and even required players to engage in it as a condition of playing for Michigan. The lawsuit was filed in Detroit federal court, with the 16 plaintiffs represented by Pitt, McGhee, Palmer, Bonanni & Rivers.
They seek accountability and privacy, as well as sexualized hazing prevention training for all U-M athletes. This lawsuit follows a series of serious allegations against the university's athletic department, including bullying and misconduct within the men's hockey program.
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