UPDATE MARCH 24, 2025: A total of five former Indiana University (IU) basketball players are now accusing former team physician Dr. Bradford Bomba Sr. of sexual abuse.
The newest accuser’s testimony was submitted to federal court on Thursday as part of a class action lawsuit against IU, reports The IndyStar. The accuser played for IU’s basketball team from 1976 to 1980 and alleges Bomba performed an unnecessary and sexually abusive rectal examination of him.
RELATED ARTICLE: OSU to Pay $41 Million to Settle Doctor Abuse Claims
The victim said none of his previous examinations with other doctors required a rectal exam. He also claims he reported the incident to IU Head Coach Bobby Knight, team trainer Bob Young and George Taliaferro – an employee of the IU president’s office at the time. The victim alleges he refused any further examinations by Bomba and complained to Knight about the doctor whenever he was near the team.
The alleged abuse may have occurred for years. The two former basketball players who filed the initial class action lawsuit in October claim Bomba sexually abused them in the 1990s. Since then, two other former players have joined the lawsuit.
IU and longtime athletic Tim Garl are co-defendants.
ORIGINAL DECEMBER 6, 2024 ARTICLE:
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.
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.
RELATED ARTICLE: DOJ to Pay Larry Nassar Assault Victims $100 Million
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.”
