Red Berenson disputes allegations in Michigan hockey hazing lawsuit
MLive.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Former Michigan hockey coach Red Berenson denies allegations that coaching staff encouraged or facilitated sexualized hazing, stating initiation activities were player-led and occurred without coaches' involvement.
- A federal lawsuit filed by 16 former Wolverines players accuses the University of Michigan and staff, including Berenson and assistant coach Mel Pearson, of failing to stop or report years of abusive hazing between 1984 and 2001.
- The lawsuit details extreme abuse such as forced genital shaving and anal penetration with razor handles, with plaintiffs alleging Berenson condoned some practices and retaliated against players who complained.
- Berenson acknowledges hazing was part of team culture led by seniors but emphasizes coaches did not promote or encourage it, and he highlights the university's 2012 public ban on initiation rituals.
- The University of Michigan denies responsibility and calls many allegations misleading, while Berenson expresses sympathy for the plaintiffs but maintains the coaching staff was not involved in the misconduct.
