Trainer Arrested on 32 Charges
Former NC State Sports Medicine Director Arrested on 32 Charges in Florida
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A Wake County prosecutor said authorities were awaiting a decision on whether Murphy would contest extradition to North Carolina.
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The News & Observer reported that a conviction on one of the felony charges would carry a mandatory minimum sentence of more than three years under North Carolina sentencing guidelines. The case could also be the first court test of a state law targeting sexual misconduct by medical professionals.
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The attorney representing former athletes said four additional people had joined the civil case, bringing the reported number of plaintiffs to 35.
Robert Murphy Jr., former director of sports medicine at N.C. State University, was arrested in Florida on 32 criminal charges stemming from allegations of sexual abuse by more than 30 male athletes WRAL. A grand jury indicted him on nine felonies involving sexual contact under the pretense of medical treatment and 23 misdemeanor sexual-battery counts Pilot Online. Murphy, who led the university's sports medicine program from 2012 until his 2022 resignation, denies all allegations, and his attorneys maintain the accusations are false Daily Press.
The arrest follows a two-year investigation into claims that Murphy engaged in inappropriate touching during massages and intrusive observation during drug tests. He is currently being held in Florida as authorities determine whether he will contest extradition to North Carolina WWAY TV3. A conviction on a single felony charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of more than three years under state law The Globe and Mail.
Decade-Long Role at NC State Ends After Investigation
Murphy held the position of sports medicine director at N.C. State for ten years. He stepped down in 2022 after the university launched an internal investigation into conduct allegations WRAL. During his tenure, he oversaw medical care and treatment for student-athletes across the university's athletic programs.
Over 30 Athletes Report Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Former male athletes have accused Murphy of sexual abuse during treatment sessions. The allegations include inappropriate touching during massages and presence during drug tests in ways the athletes deemed intrusive Pilot Online. Four additional people recently joined a civil lawsuit against Murphy and university officials, bringing the total number of reported plaintiffs to 35 Daily Press.
Civil Lawsuit Dismissed, Criminal Case Proceeds
A judge dismissed the athletes' civil lawsuit against Murphy and university officials in June on procedural grounds, including statute of limitations issues Pilot Online. The plaintiffs have appealed the dismissal. Meanwhile, the criminal prosecution moves forward as a potential first test of a North Carolina law targeting sexual misconduct by medical professionals.
Extradition Decision Pending as Case Awaits Trial
Murphy remains in custody in Florida while authorities await a decision on whether he will challenge extradition back to North Carolina WWAY TV3. A Wake County prosecutor confirmed the case is moving through the legal system. If convicted on any felony count, Murphy faces a mandatory minimum sentence exceeding three years.
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