Penn State Wrestler Carter Starocci Under Fire: Misconduct Allegations Emerge from Ex-Teammates and Women

Penn State Wrestler Carter Starocci Under Fire: Misconduct Allegations Emerge from Ex-Teammates and Women

Penn State wrestling star Carter Starocci is facing intense scrutiny after multiple allegations of misconduct surfaced from both former teammates and women with personal ties to the athlete. The three-time NCAA champion, who has long been seen as one of the faces of collegiate wrestling, now finds himself at the center of a growing controversy that threatens to overshadow his storied career.

The allegations, which began circulating on social media earlier this week, detail a series of incidents involving alleged verbal abuse, inappropriate behavior, and toxic locker room conduct. Several former teammates, speaking anonymously, claim Starocci created a “hostile environment” within the Penn State wrestling program. One former teammate stated, “Carter had a way of pushing people past their limits—but not in a motivating way. It was personal. There was intimidation, disrespect, and a sense that he was untouchable because of his success.”

In addition to the internal team issues, multiple women have also come forward alleging inappropriate behavior in social settings. One woman, who requested anonymity for safety concerns, accused Starocci of making unwanted advances at a university event and continuing to contact her despite being told to stop. “He made me feel powerless,” she said. “He was persistent, and when I tried to create distance, he acted like I was the problem.”

Neither Penn State University nor the wrestling program has issued a formal statement as of Thursday afternoon. However, sources close to the athletic department indicate that an internal review may already be underway. The university has come under fire in the past for its handling of athlete misconduct allegations, making this situation all the more sensitive.

Carter Starocci, for his part, has not yet commented publicly on the accusations. His social media accounts have gone inactive since the story broke. Prior to the controversy, Starocci was preparing for his senior season with aspirations of competing at the Olympic level and possibly turning professional in the near future.

Public reaction has been swift, with many fans expressing disappointment and demanding accountability. “He was a role model to so many young wrestlers,” one longtime fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “If these allegations are true, he needs to be held responsible.”

Legal experts caution that no formal charges have been filed at this time, and the allegations remain unproven. Still, the fallout could be significant both for Starocci and the Penn State wrestling program, which has built a reputation as a national powerhouse under coach Cael Sanderson.

As more details emerge, the wrestling world—and collegiate sports in general—will be watching closely. Whether this marks the beginning of a reckoning or a misunderstanding remains to be seen, but the silence from key figures only fuels the public’s demand for answers.