BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Two former Indiana University men’s basketball players filed a lawsuit alleging the team physician sexually assaulted them when they played for the team in the 1990s.
The former basketball players, who played under head coach Bob Knight, allege in court documents that Dr. Bradford Bomba, now 88, “routinely and repeatedly” subjected them to “medically unnecessary, invasive and sexually abusive rectal examinations,” IndyStar reports.
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The federal class action lawsuit, filed on Oct. 15., alleges players were administered annual physicals by Bomba that involved “digital penetration.”
Bomba played football at IU in the 1950s before becoming a contracted physician for all sports teams from 1962 to 1970, according to IDS News. Bomba was then hired as the men’s basketball team’s physician in 1979, a role he maintained through the late 1990s. He was inducted into the IU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994.
Lawsuit Accuses IU of Ignoring Sexual Abuse Allegations
The lawsuit also alleges the university systemically mishandled and “turned a blind eye” to complaints about Bomba’s alleged sexual misconduct and “maintained a policy of deliberate indifference.” The suit named the university’s trustees as defendants but Bomba was not listed as a defendant.
“Dr. Bomba, Sr.’s routine sexual assaults were openly discussed by the Hoosier men’s basketball players in the locker room in the presence of IU employees, including assistant coaches, athletic trainers, and other Hoosier men’s basketball staff,” the complaint states.
Kathleen Delaney, who represents the plaintiffs, said in the lawsuit that there could be “at least one hundred” alleged victims. A total of four men have come forward accusing Bomba of abuse.
Indiana University said in a press release Wednesday that has hired an international law firm with “experience in sensitive and similar investigations” to conduct an independent review. The review will include witness interviews, a review of available documentation, and consultations with medical experts.
Bomba Ruled Competent
Bomba was questioned about the allegations at a federal courthouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday. He was subsequently sworn in under oath in an out-of-court deposition after U.S. Magistrate Judge Mario ruled he is competent to be questioned about the allegations.
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Bomba’s guardian, Joseph Bomba, had previously asked for the deposition to be delayed due to Bomba’s declining health. He alleges Bomba is incompetent to testify because “his capacity to recall is severely impaired,” “he is unable to distinguish between truth and fiction,” and “he is incapable of asserting his Fifth Amendment right,” according to court documents.
The court said it would ensure Bomba receives appropriate accommodations due to his “age and condition.”
