Overview
- A 74-page federal complaint was filed by 16 anonymized former players in Detroit, with multiple outlets reporting the filing on Wednesday and saying the suit covers conduct from the mid-1980s through 2001.
- The plaintiffs describe ritualized, sexualized hazing that they say included forced genital shaving, razor-handle anal penetration, pubic hair singeing, and tying genitals to helmets or buckets weighted with pucks.
- The suit accuses program leaders of knowledge or concealment, naming the University of Michigan and its Board of Regents as defendants while specifically alleging that longtime coach Red Berenson and former assistant Mel Pearson played roles in the culture.
- The university called the allegations disturbing but denied legal responsibility, pointed to its 1982 anti-hazing policy and current athlete training, and said portions of the complaint are misleading.
- The case opens a path to formal discovery, possible settlement talks, and renewed scrutiny of Michigan athletics given prior independent reviews, coach firings and large abuse settlements, and plaintiffs say the alleged hazing caused long-term physical and mental health harms.