Lawsuit claims sexualized 'torture' of hockey players at U-M

Key Points:

• A federal lawsuit filed by 16 former Michigan men's hockey players alleges ritualistic sexualized abuse, including genital shaving, insertion of razor handles, and other torture-like hazing practices from 1984 to 2001, which were reportedly condoned and mandated by coaches and staff.
• The lawsuit claims that coaching staff concealed the abuse, punished players who complained, and made participation in the hazing a condition for playing on the team, with allegations implicating legendary coach Red Berenson and former coach Mel Pearson.
• The University of Michigan denies liability, emphasizing its early adoption of anti-hazing policies and ongoing commitment to athlete safety, while noting that the alleged behavior occurred over 25 years ago and violated university policy.
• The lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of misconduct allegations within the university's athletic department, which has faced previous scandals including bullying in the hockey program, a football coach's firing over an affair, and a $490 million settlement related to sexual abuse by a former football doctor.
• The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages and mandatory sexualized hazing prevention training for all University of Michigan athletes, while maintaining their anonymity to protect their privacy.