Former Penn State Player’s Sexual Harassment Claims Head to Trial, Alleging Culture of Abuse in Locker Room
A federal judge has ruled that key aspects of a lawsuit filed by former Penn State football player Isaiah Humphries, alleging sexual harassment by teammates in 2018, can proceed to trial. This decision is significant as it allows evidence suggesting a broader “culture of abuse” within the Nittany Lions’ locker room to be presented, potentially shedding light on a deeply troubling environment.
Humphries, who joined Penn State as a freshman in January 2018 before transferring later that year, filed his lawsuit in 2020. He claims that he and other younger teammates were subjected to intimidation, abuse, theft, and simulated sexual acts by older players. Disturbingly, the allegations include instances where players would be wrestled to the ground, subjected to “humping actions,” and have other players’ genitals placed on or near their faces. The lawsuit also alleges that some threats included references to Jerry Sandusky, the disgraced former Penn State coach convicted of child sexual abuse.
Crucially, Humphries asserts that he reported this alleged harassment to the team’s coaching staff, including head coach James Franklin, but that no substantive action was taken. Furthermore, he claims he faced retaliation for coming forward, including being scorned by coaches and subjected to drills designed to make him fail.
While some counts against Penn State and Coach Franklin were dismissed in 2021, the recent ruling specifically allows counts against former teammate Damion Barber to move forward. The judge noted that a “reasonable jury could conclude from the records of Penn State’s investigation and punishment of Barber that he hazed and harassed Humphries.” This suggests that internal university findings may support the plaintiff’s claims of misconduct.
The decision to permit evidence of a wider “culture of abuse” is critical. It moves beyond individual acts of alleged harassment to examine whether the environment within the Penn State football program fostered or tolerated such behavior. This aspect of the trial will likely delve into team dynamics, coaching oversight, and the university’s response to reported incidents.
This trial reopens painful discussions surrounding accountability and player welfare in collegiate athletics, particularly at a program with a history of scandal. The proceedings are expected to draw national attention as Humphries seeks to hold those responsible accountable for the alleged harassment and the environment he claims allowed it to persist.
