Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Former Michigan Hockey Players Sue Over Alleged Sexual Hazing
Sixteen former Michigan hockey players are suing the University of Michigan.
They say older players subjected freshmen to cruel and sexual hazing between 1984 and 2001.
The lawsuit says some coaches knew about the rituals and did not stop them.
The players describe injuries, forced nudity, shaving, restraints, and other abusive acts.
Former coach Red Berenson said seniors ran initiations but said coaches did not encourage them.
Former assistant coach Mel Pearson has not commented.
Michigan called the claims disturbing but denied legal responsibility for students’ misconduct.
The players want money damages and required anti-hazing training for athletes.
The school may argue that the lawsuit came too many years after the alleged events.
Sixteen former University of Michigan men’s hockey players sued the university and its Board of Regents in federal court in Detroit.
The lawsuit alleges ritualized sexual hazing occurred between 1984 and 2001 and was known to coaches.
The complaint describes forced nudity, genital shaving, burns, restraints, alleged penetration with razor handles, and other abuse.
Former coach Red Berenson said seniors conducted initiations but denied that coaches promoted or encouraged them; assistant Mel Pearson has not commented.
The plaintiffs seek damages and mandatory anti-hazing training, while Michigan says misconduct violated university policy and may argue the claims were filed too late.
- Who
- Sixteen former University of Michigan men’s hockey players sued the University of Michigan and its Board of Regents; the complaint also discusses former coaches Red Berenson and Mel Pearson.
- What
- The former players allege that sexual hazing was a required and abusive part of team life.
- When
- The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday and concerns alleged conduct from 1984 through 2001; former teammates began discussing the case in 2024.
- Where
- The case was filed in federal court in Detroit, and the alleged hazing included activities in team facilities.
- Why
- The plaintiffs seek accountability, damages, and mandatory anti-hazing training for Michigan athletes.
Former Players’ Allegations
University and Coach Responses
Whether coaches tolerated hazing
Former Players’ Allegations
The former players allege that coaches knew about ritualized sexual hazing and failed to stop it. The complaint says Red Berenson encouraged at least one player to endure it to be a “Michigan Man” and “good teammate,” and identifies Mel Pearson as knowing about the conduct.
University and Coach Responses
Berenson said the team knew seniors ran an initiation but said, “We didn't promote it. We didn't encourage it.” Pearson has not commented, and Michigan denies legal responsibility for the alleged misconduct.
What was included in initiation rituals
Former Players’ Allegations
The plaintiffs say a public 2012 account focused on relatively minor activities and omitted sexual abuse. Their complaint describes forced nudity, genital shaving, burns, restraints, alleged penetration, and forced consumption of live fish.
University and Coach Responses
Michigan says any former student-athlete who engaged in hazing or other misconduct violated university policy. The school points to an official anti-hazing policy adopted in 1982.
Whether the case can proceed
Former Players’ Allegations
Attorney Michael Pitt says the players are seeking accountability and privacy despite the age of the allegations.
University and Coach Responses
Michigan may argue that the players waited too long to sue, as the school used a similar defense in earlier lawsuits involving former campus sports doctor Robert Anderson.
- Plaintiffs
- Sixteen former Michigan men’s hockey players, identified as John Does 1 through 16
- Defendants
- The University of Michigan and its Board of Regents
- Alleged period
- 1984 to 2001
- Alleged conduct
- Sexualized initiation rituals involving forced nudity, shaving, burns, restraints, alleged penetration, and other abuse
- Former head coach
- Red Berenson led Michigan from 1984 to 2017
- Requested remedies
- Damages and mandatory anti-hazing training for all Michigan athletes
- School response
- Michigan called the claims disturbing and said misconduct would violate university policy