Former Michigan hockey players allege coaches ignored years of abusive hazing rituals

Sixteen former University of Michigan men’s hockey players filed a federal sex discrimination lawsuit in Detroit, alleging they were subjected to sexual abuse and hazing rituals as members of the program between 1984 and 2001.

The complaint alleges freshmen endured forced genital shaving, excessive drinking and being made to eat live fish as part of team initiation.

One player also alleged that upperclassmen taunted him with a blowtorch while he lay on a table.

The former players’ attorney, Michael Pitt, described the alleged team culture.

"The abuse was ritualized, meticulously planned, and sadistic," Pitt said.

"Enduring sexual abuse was required to be a member of the Michigan Men’s Ice Hockey team." THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE.

DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW! The lawsuit accused Red Berenson, Michigan’s head coach from 1984 to 2017, of knowing about the alleged abuse and failing to intervene.

One former player, identified as John Doe 3, allegedly told Berenson he wanted no part in the hazing .

The complaint claims Berenson pressured him to participate by invoking the ideals of being a "Michigan Man" and a "good teammate." Berenson, 86, has disputed allegations of coaching involvement.

He previously acknowledged that senior players oversaw some initiation practices, while maintaining that no one had complained to him.

"Were there some mishaps? Were there some bad experiences? Possibly, but it wasn’t a matter of direction or encouragement from the coaching staff or from the administration," Berenson said.

He also disputed the lawsuit’s characterization of the alleged conduct.

"When they say sexual, I’m guessing they’re stretching this," Berenson said.

Berenson announced the end of "freshman hazing" in 2012.