Former Michigan hockey players sue university over alleged hazing abuse

Sixteen former players of the University of Michigan men's hockey team filed a federal lawsuit in Detroit federal court on Sept. 9, claiming they were subjected to ritualized sexual hazing from 1984 to 2001. The complaint, filed under John Doe pseudonyms, alleges that older teammates forced younger players to be stripped, have their genitals shaved, endure razor blades inserted into their anus, and experience other degrading acts, including the use of a hockey helmet filled with pucks.

The suit accuses the university and its board of regents of responsibility, asserting that coaches and staff were aware of the abuse and that participation in the acts was presented as a condition for playing on the team. The filing states that coaches allegedly discouraged complaints and penalized players who spoke out.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs, Pitt, McGhee, Palmer, Bonanni & Rivers, said the former athletes seek accountability while preserving their anonymity. "They want accountability but they want their privacy to go with their efforts to achieve accountability," said attorney Michael Pitt.

University spokesperson Paul Corliss responded that the allegations are "disturbing" but characterized many elements of the complaint as misleading. He noted that the university adopted an anti-hazing policy in 1982 and now requires annual training for all student-athletes.

The lawsuit also references prior investigations into the hockey program, including a 2022 external review that led to the dismissal of former head coach Mel Pearson. The complaint names former coaches Red Berenson and Pearson as having encouraged the abusive practices.

The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages and a court order requiring sexual-haz​ing prevention training for all University of Michigan athletes. The university has not yet engaged in settlement discussions.