Editor’s note: This story includes mention of sexual violence or assault.
Former Indiana men’s basketball players appealed the district court’s decision on their lawsuit against Indiana University and former head trainer Tim Garl. A federal judge dismissed the case March 31 and the appeal was filed Thursday.
The appeal will be heard by a panel of judges in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago.
The lawsuit first arose from September 2024 allegations against former team physician Dr. Brad Bomba Sr. Bomba, who served as team physician for all IU athletic teams from 1962-1970 and for men’s basketball from 1979-1998, was accused of conducting inappropriate rectal exams.
A report issued by Jones Day, the firm which IU tasked to investigate the original claims, found in May 2025 that Bomba acted in a “clinically appropriate manner.”
The plaintiffs, former players Haris Mujezinovic, Charlie Miller, John Flowers and Larry Richardson Jr., argued they did not become aware Bomba’s conduct was “sexual harassment and abuse” until 2024 and 2025.
However, the court agreed with the defendants that the relevant consideration was the plaintiffs’ “knowledge of Bomba’s conduct,” rather than knowing if it was unlawful.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Southern Indiana ruled in favor of the defendants, finding the players “knew of the fact of their injury around the time they were assaulted.” Judge Tonya Walton Pratt dismissed the case on the grounds that the two-year statute of limitations had long past.
While just four former players are attached to the lawsuit, many others have made additional allegations of sexual misconduct against Bomba.
During a 75-minute deposition in December 2024, Bomba refused to answer 45 questions and invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination, ESPN reported. He died May 8, 2025.
An IU spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
