Sixteen former University of Michigan men’s hockey athletes have filed a civil lawsuit accusing the university and its Board of Regents of allowing a systematic program of sexualized hazing to flourish for more than a decade. The plaintiffs, who played for the Wolverines between 1984 and 2001, say the abuse was a routine part of freshman initiation and was known to coaches, staff and administrators.
Allegations detail forced genital shaving and other humiliations
The complaint describes a pattern of forced genital shaving, sexual humiliation, forced drinking, simulated sexual acts and even penetration with razor handles. According to the filing, these rituals were repeated each season from the 1984‑85 campaign through the 1998‑99 season. Plaintiffs assert that the hazing was not an isolated incident but a recurring tradition that was concealed from university officials.
Red Berenson, who coached the program from 1984 to 2017, is named in the lawsuit 79 times. The suit alleges that Berenson knew about the hazing, condoned it, and in some instances directed parts of it. One specific claim states that Berenson instructed players to shave freshmen only “from the neck down,” a practice the plaintiffs say was hidden beneath clothing. The complaint also alleges that Berenson moved the rituals from off‑site locations into the hockey facilities, further shielding the abuse from oversight.
Other staff members also implicated
The filing names former assistant coach Mel Pearson, trainers and equipment staff as individuals who either witnessed the hazing or were aware of it and failed to intervene. One allegation recounts a player seeking help from Pearson, only to be told to “keep your head down” and get through it. Another claim describes a player reporting the “tradition” to trainer Rick Bancroft, who allegedly advised the student not to “rock the boat” and to be a “good teammate,” with no subsequent investigation.
One plaintiff, identified only as John Doe 16, says he reported the initiation and the emotional trauma directly to the university’s athletic director. According to the complaint, the athletic director relayed the complaint to Berenson without the player’s consent, after which Berenson allegedly reduced the player’s ice time in retaliation, harming his hockey career.
University response
University spokesperson Paul Corliss called the allegations “disturbing” but denied any institutional responsibility. In a written statement, Corliss emphasized that the university adopted an official anti‑hazing policy in 1982, making it one of the first schools in the nation to do so, and reiterated that any former student athlete who engaged in hazing violated university policy.
The university’s statement did not address the specific claims against Berenson or other staff members, but it underscored the institution’s longstanding commitment to preventing hazing.
Legal relief sought
The plaintiffs are seeking past and future damages, punitive and liquidated damages, attorney fees, costs and other equitable relief. They also request that the university implement sexual‑hazing prevention training for all Michigan athletes and have demanded a jury trial.
The lawsuit appears to have originated from conversations among former teammates in 2024, prompting the filing of the 72‑page complaint. The case adds to a growing national conversation about hazing in collegiate athletics and the responsibility of universities to protect student‑athletes.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
