Former North Carolina State University sports medicine director Robert M. Murphy Jr. has been arrested in Florida following a criminal indictment in North Carolina involving allegations of sexual misconduct toward former Wolfpack male athletes. The case stems from a yearslong investigation and civil lawsuits involving dozens of former athletes.
Murphy Faces 32 Criminal Charges
Florida authorities arrested Murphy on Wednesday night in Marion County, where he was being held on fugitive warrants issued in North Carolina. The charges include nine felony counts of sexual contact under the pretext of medical treatment and 23 misdemeanor counts of sexual battery.
A Wake County grand jury returned the indictments on Sept. 14. Prosecutors said the criminal case involves allegations from 14 victims, with the accusations covering conduct alleged to have occurred between October 2016 and fall 2021.
Murphy served as NC State’s director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer from 2012 until 2022. The criminal allegations concern treatment and other interactions involving athletes under his care.
Murphy’s attorneys, Jared Hammett and Seth Blum, have denied wrongdoing. They have argued that previous law enforcement activity did not result in criminal charges and maintain that Murphy will ultimately be cleared.
Allegations Previously Led to Civil Lawsuits
The criminal investigation follows a series of civil cases that began after former NC State soccer player Benjamin Locke filed a federal lawsuit in 2022. The complaint alleged inappropriate conduct during medical treatment and drug-testing procedures.
The litigation later expanded, with more than 30 former Wolfpack male athletes joining a state court case and making similar allegations. Many of the plaintiffs used anonymous identities in court filings.
A Wake County judge dismissed the larger civil lawsuit in June, citing procedural and jurisdictional issues. Attorneys representing the former athletes have appealed the decision.
The criminal indictment is a separate proceeding and represents the first criminal charges arising from the broader allegations.
NC State Says It Will Cooperate With Authorities
NC State has acknowledged the criminal charges and said it will cooperate with law enforcement while the case moves forward. The university emphasized that student and athlete safety remains a priority but declined to comment further because the matter is ongoing.
The former athletes’ attorney, Kerry Sutton, said additional athletes have contacted legal representatives with allegations similar to those already under investigation.
Murphy’s arrest now moves the case into the criminal court system. After being arrested in Florida, he appeared before a judge and waived extradition, according to authorities. He is expected to be returned to North Carolina to face the charges.
The allegations remain accusations, and Murphy is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
