A former wrestler at the University of Michigan has filed a lawsuit against the educational institution, alleging he was sexually abused by late athletic doctor, Robert Anderson.
Attorney Mike Cox said he has filed the first of 11 planned federal lawsuits against the University of Michigan.
“My 20 or so clients, who are all ‘Michigan men’ and bleed maize and blue, found out two weeks ago that weird acts by Dr. Anderson were in fact motivated by his deviant sexual desires, No. 1,” Cox said. “No. 2, that the University of Michigan foisted this sexual predator.”
Most of the former students Cox is representing attended the University of Michigan under athletic scholarships and were forced to see Anderson “and endure the exact same assaults that the young ladies in the (Larry) Nassar case endured.”
The plaintiff in the current lawsuit, who wants to remain anonymous, received a wrestling scholarship in 1984 to attend the University of Michigan. He sought medical care from Anderson, who “sexually assaulted, abused and molested plaintiff by nonconsensual digital anal penetration and excessive genital fondling and manipulation under the guise of medical treatment.”
The lawsuit claims Anderson sexually abused the plaintiff on at least 35 occasions “or 70 total acts of nonconsensual anal penetration and genital fondling, between 1984 and 1989.”
The suit accuses Anderson of abusing other students and athletes, including instances of fondling and Anderson exposing himself during examinations.
University of Michigan President, Mark Schlissel, apologized last month on behalf of the university to those who were harmed by Anderson. As well, they created a hotline for victims to report their abuse. The university is also providing free counseling to those affected by Anderson.
“We recognize the enormous strength and courage it takes for survivors to come forward and share their stories,” said UM spokesperson Kim Broekhuizen.
“The university continues to encourage those who have been harmed by Robert E. Anderson or who have evidence of his misconduct, to come forward. It’s important that the University of Michigan hear your voices.”
The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, in addition to attorney fees and corrective actions by the university. While money cannot take away the pain of the victims’ experiences, it can help them with financial damages that were caused by their abuse, as well as making a statement that the wrongs done to them are no longer being ignored.
For information about personal injury claims, visit Cohen & Cohen.
