Michigan Denies Liability in Hockey Hazing Lawsuit

The University of Michigan has denied any liability over a lawsuit brought by 16 former ice hockey players who allege hazing and abuse within the programme between 1984 and 2001.

The claim goes further, alleging that coaches, staff and administrators knew what was happening and that taking part was effectively a condition of playing for Michigan.

"The allegations in the lawsuit are troubling, but many of the claims in it are misleading. Former student-athletes who attended the university more than 25 years ago are describing actions by their teammates that allegedly took place in the 1980s and 1990s. If any former student-athletes did take part in hazing or other inappropriate conduct, that was a violation of university policy. The university denies any liability or obligation in connection with the allegations made. The university adopted rules banning hazing back in 1982. It was one of the first institutions in the country to do so, and has earned a reputation as a leader in this area. Today, all of the university's student-athletes are required to undergo annual training on the university's rules and on protections against hazing, discrimination and other forms of inappropriate conduct. We are committed to providing a safe environment for all our students," said Courtial.

The university's position rests on distancing the allegations from the current programme, framing hazing as a breach of long-standing policy carried out by players rather than something the institution sanctioned. Whether that argument holds may depend on what the lawsuit can show about what coaches and staff knew at the time.