Allegations of sexual misconduct against former Indiana University team doctor Bradford Bomba have expanded, with over a dozen former players now stepping forward. The latest claims come from 15 men who say they were subjected to unnecessary and inappropriate medical exams during their time with the university’s basketball program.
The lawsuit, which originally involved two former athletes, now includes five named plaintiffs and ten others expected to join. Among them is former NBA player Butch Carter, who alleges that during a routine physical in 1979, Bomba performed a rectal exam that he believes was not medically justified. Carter says he reported the incident to head coach Bob Knight and other staff but claims it was ignored.
According to the complaint, players who raised concerns were either dismissed or told the exams were standard procedure. Several of the men say they felt pressured to continue seeing Bomba despite discomfort and suspicion about the nature of the exams. One former player recalled being touched inappropriately during a physical, while another said he was subjected to a rectal exam while still in high school.
Indiana University previously conducted an internal review into Bomba’s conduct and concluded that the exams were medically appropriate, finding no indication of misconduct. However, the players dispute those findings and argue that the review failed to reflect their lived experiences and emotional trauma.
Legal hurdles remain due to Indiana’s statute of limitations and the fact that Bomba passed away earlier this year. Still, the former players say they are speaking out to hold the university accountable and raise awareness about the long-term harm they endured. Some say the impact of those experiences has only become clearer with time, especially as they reflect on their own children’s ages and vulnerability.
