Former Michigan Hockey Players File Lawsuit Over Alleged Abuse and Hazing

Sixteen former members of the University of Michigan men’s hockey team have filed a federal lawsuit in Detroit. The lawsuit claims they suffered sexual abuse and hazing between 1984 and 2001. According to the complaint, freshmen experienced forced genital shaving, excessive alcohol consumption, and were forced to eat live fish as initiation rituals. One player also reported an incident where upperclassmen threatened him with a blowtorch while he lay on a table.

Red Berenson, the head coach from 1984 to 2017, denies involvement but is accused of knowing about the abuse and not taking action. The complaint includes an account from a player, referred to as John Doe 3, who claims Berenson pressured him to participate in hazing, emphasizing the importance of being a “Michigan Man” and a good team player.

Attorney Michael Pitt, representing the former players, described the environment as “ritualized, meticulously planned, and sadistic.” Pitt emphasized that enduring such abuse was a requirement for team membership.

In his defense, Berenson admitted senior players oversaw some initiation practices, but no one ever complained to him. He acknowledged some inappropriate actions by captains and announced the end of “freshman hazing” in 2012, referring mainly to less severe practices like carrying equipment and eating meals last.

The lawsuit argues that Berenson’s admissions should have triggered an investigation by the university. Paul Corliss, a Michigan spokesperson, labeled the allegations “disturbing” but stated that the university was not responsible. He cited the anti-hazing policy adopted in 1982 as evidence of the university’s proactive stance.

The players formally began discussing their experiences and initiated the lawsuit in 2024. Michigan might contend the delay in filing due to the decades-old nature of the alleged incidents. Previously, Michigan faced litigation over a sports doctor, resulting in a $490 million settlement for over 1,000 former athletes.

The allegations in this case are yet to be proven in court. The University of Michigan has been approached for additional comments. The Associated Press contributed to this report.