NC State Sports Medicine Director Indicted on 32 Sexual Abuse Charges
Robert Murphy Jr., former director of sports medicine at North Carolina State University, has been arrested in Florida and indicted in Wake County on 32 charges, including nine felonies, for sexual contact under the pretext of medical treatment. The charges stem from 14 cases involving male athletes between 2016 and 2021. Murphy resigned in 2022 after a civil lawsuit by over 30 former players alleged inappropriate conduct during drug tests and treatments. NC State officials condemned the alleged misconduct, while Murphy’s attorneys disputed the prosecution, citing prior law enforcement conclusions. A conviction for the felony charges carries a maximum sentence of 182 months and mandatory sex offender registration.
Key points
- Robert Murphy Jr. was arrested in Marion County, Florida, and indicted by a Wake County grand jury on September 14, 2026.
- The indictment includes nine counts of felony sexual contact under the pretext of medical treatment and 23 misdemeanor counts of sexual battery.
- Alleged offenses span from October 2016 to September 2021, involving 14 separate cases with unidentified plaintiffs.
- Murphy served as NC State’s director of sports medicine from 2012 to 2022, resigning after being suspended in January 2022.
- A 2022 civil lawsuit by more than 30 former male athletes alleged Murphy touched genitals during unnecessary medical treatments and drug testing.
- Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman stated the office is intent on seeking justice, while Murphy’s attorneys called the prosecution based on a 'changing story.'
Background
This case follows a 2022 civil lawsuit filed by former NC State athletes, including soccer players Benjamin Locke and Parker Cross, which alleged widespread knowledge of Murphy’s inappropriate behavior within the athletic department. The civil suit was partially dismissed by a Wake County judge in June 2026, with some claims redirected to the North Carolina Industrial Commission. The criminal indictment marks a significant escalation from the civil proceedings, moving from civil liability to potential felony prosecution for acts that occurred years after the initial complaints began in 2012.
Why it matters
The indictment highlights the long-term legal and institutional consequences of alleged misconduct in university athletic departments. It underscores the potential for criminal charges to emerge years after civil lawsuits, particularly when new evidence or legal interpretations arise. The case also raises questions about the oversight and accountability of university officials in handling complaints from student-athletes, as well as the severity of penalties for sexual misconduct in medical or therapeutic settings.
What to watch
Murphy is currently being held in Marion County, Florida, and will likely face extradition to North Carolina to stand trial in Wake County. The civil lawsuit attorneys have stated they will continue to pursue accountability for Murphy and NC State. The university and law enforcement are cooperating with the investigation, and further details may emerge as the criminal case proceeds through the legal system.
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