Michigan Hockey Players Sue Over Decades of Ritualized Sexual Abuse
Sixteen former University of Michigan hockey players have filed a federal lawsuit alleging that they were subjected to ritualized sexual abuse and hazing between 1984 and 2001. The suit claims that head coach Red Berenson and other staff members were aware of the misconduct, which included forced genital shaving and other degrading acts, but failed to intervene. While the university denies responsibility, citing its early adoption of anti-hazing policies, the plaintiffs argue that the abuse was a required part of team membership. The legal action stems from conversations among former teammates in 2024 and seeks damages as well as mandatory hazing-prevention training for all student athletes.