Former University of Michigan Athletes Claim Sexual Abuse at Hands of Longtime Team Doctor
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Nearly a dozen former University of Michigan athletes have come forward to report a history of sexual abuse at the hands of Dr. Robert E. Anderson dating as early as 1975 and as recent as 2002. These men claim the sexual abuse and misconduct occurred during physical examinations and included unwarranted hernia, penis and prostate checks as well as instances of fondling.
An investigation conducted by law enforcement includes a 91-page report that states several university staff members had heard rumors about sexual misconduct involving Dr. Anderson but did nothing. One of the men accusing the now-deceased doctor of sexual abuse claims he notified his wrestling coach and the athletic director in a letter when the alleged abuse occurred in 1975, but no action was taken. In fact, the man states he was ridiculed in front of his teammates, removed from the wrestling team and lost his scholarship.
Dr. Robert E. Anderson worked for the University of Michigan from 1967 to 2003 in a variety of roles, including Health Services Director.
If you were a University of Michigan student and were treated by Dr. Robert E. Anderson, contact us. Our sexual abuse attorneys help sexual abuse survivors seek justice through the civil justice system and want to hear from you. It takes courage to report sexual abuse, regardless of how long ago it was. We are here to listen and to advise you of your rights. There is no fee to speak with us, and if you decide to pursue a case, our fees will be paid out of any settlement we secure for you.
Sexual abuse of athletes
Media reports highlight a disturbing trend of college and elite athletes being sexually abused by doctors. Many of these reports date back as far back as the 1960s and 1970s up to the current day and follow similar patterns, including university and athletic officials turning a blind eye to reports of sexual misconduct perpetrated by university health and sports physicians. Recent reports of college and elite athlete sexual abuse include:
Ohio State University Dr. Richard Strauss
UCLA Gynecologist Dr. James Heaps
USA Gymnastics Dr. Larry Nassar
If you have questions about how a lawsuit can help survivors of sexual abuse on the path to healing, contact us. Our attorneys and staff will listen to you and explain the process and are ready to help you take the next step.
