Growing Allegations Against Former Indiana University Team Doctor and Coach’s Inaction

Introduction to the Case and New Allegations

The number of former Indiana University (IU) basketball players alleging sexual assault by Dr. Bradford Bomba Sr., the team’s former doctor, has now risen to four. Additionally, a fifth player has come forward with a detailed account of reporting his concerns to the legendary coach Bobby Knight as early as 1979. The amended lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, includes these new allegations, adding further weight to the claims of systemic abuse and institutional failure at IU. The case highlights a troubling pattern of abuse allegedly carried out by Bomba, who served as the team doctor for decades, and a lack of action by those in power to protect student-athletes.

The Allegations and Institutional Response

The lawsuit now includes four plaintiffs: John Flowers, Haris Mujezinovic, Charlie Miller, and Larry Richardson Jr., all of whom allege they were subjected to “systemic sexual assaults and sex-based harassment under the guise of medical care” by Bomba. A fifth former player, who remains unnamed, has also come forward to corroborate the allegations, stating that he complained to IU’s athletic department about Bomba’s behavior years before the other plaintiffs’ alleged abuse occurred. This player claims he brought his concerns directly to Coach Bobby Knight in 1979 during a gathering at Assembly Hall. According to the lawsuit, Knight dismissed the player’s concerns, stating that he was required to undergo a physical and took no further action to address the allegations. Legendary figures such as Knight, along with former IU football player George Taliaferro and trainer Bob Young, who were present during this exchange, are now deceased, leaving questions about their knowledge and handling of these serious concerns.

IU officials have declined to comment on the specifics of the new allegations. Instead, they have pointed to a September statement announcing the hiring of a private law firm to conduct an independent review of the claims. The university has asked for patience from the IU community, assuring that their actions will align with the institution’s values. However, the plaintiffs and their legal team argue that the university’s response has been insufficient, and they continue to seek accountability through the legal system.

The Plaintiffs’ Stories and Their Impact

Larry Richardson Jr., the fourth plaintiff to join the lawsuit, played for IU from 1995 to 2000. He alleges that he was sent to Bomba by IU’s longtime men’s basketball trainer, Tim Garl, for a physical examination, during which he was subjected to an unnecessary and invasive rectal exam. Richardson, who went on to play professional basketball internationally, expressed his disappointment and sense of betrayal in a statement through his lawyer. He emphasized that he was a first-generation college student who trusted the authority figures at IU, only to have that trust abused. His story echoes those of the other plaintiffs, who have similarly alleged that Bomba’s examinations were not medically necessary and were instead a pretext for sexual assault.

The lawsuit also highlights the broader cultural issues within the IU basketball program during the time in question. Players allegedly openly discussed Bomba’s behavior in the locker room, with some even warning each other about his examinations. This suggests that the abuse was not only systematic but also widely known within the team, with coaches and staff seemingly turning a blind eye. The plaintiffs argue that IU failed to protect them from a predator, violating their rights under Title IX, a federal law requiring universities to safeguard students from sexual harassment and assault.

Legal Proceedings and Bomba’s Response

Bomba, now 88 years old, has not been directly named as a defendant in the lawsuit. However, his deposition in December revealed his evasive responses to questions about his conduct. When asked about the allegations, he invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination dozens of times. While he acknowledged his close friendship with Knight, he refused to answer whether the coach had instructed him to perform invasive exams on players. Bomba’s lawyer has not responded to requests for comment, and Garl, who still works for IU, has also declined to address the allegations.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the plaintiffs, who are suing IU’s trustees and Garl under Title IX. The plaintiffs have also urged other former teammates and IU athletes to come forward if they were similarly abused. The case raises important questions about accountability, the culture of silence in athletic programs, and the responsibility of universities to protect their students from predators.

Conclusion and Broader Implications

The allegations against Bomba and the inaction of IU officials, including the late Coach Bobby Knight, have sent shockwaves through the IU community and beyond. The case underscores the long-term impact of sexual abuse on survivors, who have endured decades of pain and betrayal. The plaintiffs hope that their courage in coming forward will lead to justice and systemic change within the university. As the independent review continues, IU is under increasing pressure to confront its past and ensure that such abuses are never allowed to occur again.

For now, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in higher education and the need for institutions to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students. The outcome of this lawsuit will not only determine the fate of the plaintiffs but also set a precedent for how universities handle allegations of sexual abuse and harassment in the future.