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Two former basketball players, Haris Mujezinovic and Charlie Miller, from Indiana University have initiated legal action against their alma mater. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for Southern Indiana, claims that their team doctor, Dr. Bradford Bomba Sr., repeatedly sexually assaulted them and their teammates, while university officials failed to intervene, according to NBC News.
The lawsuit asserts that the coaching staff and athletic trainers were aware of Dr. Bomba’s inappropriate actions, including unnecessary prostate examinations conducted on players. The two victims, who played during the 1990s under renowned coach Bob Knight, allege that these assaults were not only known but openly discussed among players in the locker room, with IU staff present.
Dr. Bomba, who served as the men’s basketball team physician for two decades, was reportedly nicknamed “Frankenstein” due to the size of his hands. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages and have called on other former teammates to join their cause.
Mujezinovic, who played for the Hoosiers between 1995 and 1997, stated, “I’m standing up for all student-athletes who have suffered abuse.” Miller, who was on the team from 1994 to 1998, expressed frustration over the university’s lack of action, saying he cannot comprehend why IU leadership failed to protect them.
Sadly, there is concern that there could be “at least one hundred” additional victims. The lawsuit names the Trustees of Indiana University as defendants, citing violations of Title IX for not ensuring the safety of students against predators. Notably, Dr. Bomba is not included as a defendant in this case.
In response to the allegations, IU spokesperson Mark Bode referenced a previous statement announcing that the university has initiated the conduct of an independent investigation. The statement acknowledged the claims regarding inappropriate examinations and the systemic nature of the abuse alleged by Mujezinovic and Miller.
In the wake of serious allegations against team doctors, many athletes may find themselves questioning their legal options. To explore these rights and the steps victims can take, we spoke with Jeff Gibson, an experienced attorney with experience representing cases of sexual abuse within sports. His knowledge of how athletes can hold negligent parties accountable provides valuable guidance for those affected by such traumatic experiences.
Editor Darla Medina: Jeff, thank you for joining us. Can you explain the legal rights available to athletes who have been sexually abused by team doctors?
Attorney Jeff Gibson: Absolutely, Darla. Athletes have the right to seek justice through civil lawsuits against their abusers and any institutions that failed to protect them. This includes universities that may have ignored complaints or created an environment where abuse could occur.
Medina: When can victims hold these negligent parties accountable?
Gibson: Victims can hold negligent parties accountable when it can be demonstrated that the institution had knowledge of the abuse and did nothing to address it. This often involves showing a pattern of misconduct or failure to follow proper reporting protocols.
Medina: What steps should a victim take if they want to come forward?
Gibson: The first step is to seek legal counsel familiar with these types of cases. They can provide guidance on how to document the abuse and navigate the legal process. It's also important for victims to know that they are not alone and there are resources available to support them.
Medina: Thank you, Jeff. Your insights are invaluable in understanding the complexities of these cases.
If you or a loved one has experienced abuse in a sports setting, remember that you are not alone. There are legal avenues available to seek accountability and support. We encourage you to reach out for a free consultation where you can discuss your situation confidentially. Don’t hesitate to take that important first step towards healing and justice—contact us today.
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