At Least 15 Former Indiana Basketball Players Allege Sexual Misconduct by Team Doctor

At least 15 former Indiana University men’s basketball players have accused Dr. Bradford Bomba Sr., the team's physician during the 1970s-1990s, of sexual misconduct involving medically unnecessary digital rectal examinations during physicals. The allegations include claims that legendary coach Bob Knight was aware of Bomba’s behavior but continued to direct players to him. Several players have joined a class-action lawsuit against the university, asserting that the institution failed to protect them despite early warnings. An independent investigation commissioned by the university cleared Bomba of acting with bad faith, but the report acknowledged the exams were controversial and discussed within the team. Longtime trainer Tim Garl, who worked alongside Bomba, is also named in the lawsuit, with allegations that he knew about the behavior yet took no effective action. The case raises broader concerns about institutional accountability, Title IX compliance, and athlete safety at Indiana University.