More than 30 former North Carolina State athletes have detailed allegations of sexual abuse by former sports medicine trainer Robert Murphy under the guise of medical treatment.

Eleven men who represented various university teams between 2013 and 2024 have spoken out about their harrowing experiences.

Most of the accusers have chosen to remain anonymous as part of an ongoing civil case against the academic institution.

The alleged misconduct involved inappropriate touching and highly irregular, near-nude drug testing procedures.

Inappropriate medical consultations

One former student detailed a consultation for back pain that resulted in egregious and unwelcome physical contact.

The athlete, identified only as John Doe 1 in the lawsuit, described freezing in shock during the distressing encounter.

I don’t even know how I got out of it. I think I just kind of made a sound or something and I just grabbed my stuff.

The distressed victim recalled returning home to shower instead of using the training facility, questioning whether the incident had actually occurred.

Breaking the institutional silence

Many affected individuals avoided discussing the trauma until a formal complaint was lodged by former soccer player Ben Locke.

His report to campus police triggered a Title IX investigation in 2022 and paved the way for a broader civil lawsuit.

Thirty additional former collegiate competitors have since joined the legal action against the university.

A separate state criminal investigation into the former medical staffer is also currently active.

Missed warnings and cultural barriers

University officials were reportedly aware of concerns surrounding the medical professional as early as 2014 but failed to act decisively.

A university spokesperson issued a statement maintaining that the health and safety of their student-athletes remains paramount.

The North Carolina institution declined to comment further on the specifics of the pending legal matter.

Locke explained that profound cultural barriers often prevent men from speaking out about sexual violence.

Then you add in, ‘You’re a Division 1 college athlete, you’re strong, you’re fit, you’re all the things.’

The former sportsman noted a societal expectation that physically strong men should be able to defend themselves against such abuse.

Ronnie O’Sullivan begins his quest for a record-breaking eighth World Snooker Championship title at the Crucible Theatre on 18 April.

The 50th edition of the iconic Sheffield tournament runs until 4 May and features a highly anticipated title defence from China’s Zhao Xintong.

The reigning champion returns to the baize as the top seed and faces the daunting task of overcoming the infamous Crucible Curse.

Zhao bids to break Crucible Curse

No maiden winner has successfully defended the prestigious trophy, with 21 players trying and failing since 1980.

The trailblazing Chinese star will open proceedings on the first morning, playing to a conclusion during the evening session.

He will be joined in the opening day’s action by leading contenders including Mark Allen, Mark Williams and Barry Hawkins.

O’Sullivan’s pursuit of history

The legendary Englishman makes an unprecedented 34th consecutive appearance at the famous venue this year.

Seeded 12th for the 2026 event, the seven-time world champion gets his campaign under way during the afternoon session on 21 April.

Should the veteran progress past his opening-round qualifier, a mouth-watering last-16 clash against historic rival John Higgins could await.

Trump leads fierce chasing pack

World number one Judd Trump enters the competition as the second seed and begins his challenge for a second world crown on 21 April.

The top five automatic seeds for the tournament feature heavily decorated former champions and recent finalists.

The remaining 16 spots in the main draw will be randomly drawn against the top seeds following the conclusion of the qualifying rounds on 16 April.

Erin King will make her first international appearance in a year as she captains Ireland in Saturday’s Six Nations opener against England.

The 22-year-old flanker has been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury during a defeat by the Red Roses in the 2025 tournament.

That severe setback forced the newly appointed skipper to miss last year’s Rugby World Cup entirely.

She now returns to lead her country into the 2026 edition against an English side chasing an unprecedented eighth consecutive title.

Perry makes debut and Wafer returns

Former England prop Ellena Perry is set to make her Irish Six Nations debut this weekend.

The front-row forward switched her international allegiances ahead of the recent global tournament.

Elsewhere in the back row, the returning captain is joined by Brittany Hogan and the dynamic Aoife Wafer.

Wafer was crowned the Six Nations Player of the Championship in 2025 but has also endured a frustratingly injury-hit year.

Ireland starting XV and replacements

The starting lineup features a blend of established talent and returning stars as the visitors aim to disrupt the defending champions.

Replacements: Neve Jones, Niamh O’Dowd, Eilis Cahill, Ruth Campbell, Grace Moore, Katie Whelan, Nancy McGillivray, Anna McGann.

Conor Benn believes Zuffa Boxing will receive maximum value from his £11.19m one-fight contract when he faces Regis Prograis at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

The 29-year-old makes his highly anticipated Netflix debut on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s heavyweight clash with Arslanbek Makhmudov.

He returns to the ring for the first time since securing a dominant points victory over domestic rival Chris Eubank Jr in November.

Lucrative new partnership

The undefeated welterweight shocked the boxing world in February by leaving long-term promoter Eddie Hearn to sign with the newly formed promotional entity.

Zuffa Boxing represents a powerful joint venture between UFC chief executive Dana White and Saudi Arabian advisor Turki Alalshikh.

This unprecedented financial agreement currently expires immediately after the 150lbs catchweight contest against former two-time world champion Prograis.

However, the London-born fighter has strongly hinted that his relationship with the promotional powerhouse could extend further.

“Zuffa wanted to make noise – and that’s exactly what they’ve done,” said the British fighter.

“I don’t see much bigger announcements that have gone so viral off an announcement of a signing, not even a fight.”

“After Saturday I’ll be a completely free agent, but obviously Zuffa are in the driving seat because of the way they’ve looked after me so well.”

Healing the Matchroom rift

The sudden departure created significant tension with Matchroom Boxing chairman Hearn, who had carefully guided the fighter’s entire professional career.

Hearn previously described the email notification of the split as a “dagger in the heart” after supporting his client through a high-profile doping suspension in 2022.

Despite the acrimonious exit and a public dispute over a £550,000 loan, the boxer insists the generational wealth on offer was simply impossible to refuse.

“What I do know, what I can say, is my kids are set up for life. What I can say is this changes my kids’ kids’ lives.”

“What I can say is this an opportunity I couldn’t turn down, irrelevant of all the noise, irrelevant of everything.”

The ambitious contender now hopes to secure a world title shot against WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia in September.

Before looking ahead to future challenges, he remains completely open to reconciling with his former promoter in London this weekend.

“Hopefully we can sit down and I hope he does knock on my changing room door, because I love Eddie,” he added.

Rory McIlroy returns to Augusta National this week to defend his Masters title with renewed motivation after completing the career Grand Slam last year.

The Northern Irishman ended an 11-year major drought in dramatic fashion 12 months ago, defeating Justin Rose in a tense play-off to secure the iconic Green Jacket.

That historic victory made him just the sixth male player to win all four of golf’s modern major championships.

A new era of motivation

Many observers questioned whether conquering his ultimate golfing Everest would diminish his competitive drive.

However, the defending champion insists he has embraced the unique pressure of returning to the first tee as the reigning title holder.

McIlroy arrived at the prestigious Georgia venue earlier than usual to fulfil his new obligations, including his debut as host of the traditional Champions Dinner.

“It has been a little bit of a mix of business and pleasure, I would say,” McIlroy said.

Enjoying the ultimate privilege

The former world number one admitted he previously feared he might never earn a place at the exclusive Tuesday evening gathering of past winners.

“All of us in that room were the envy of the sports world,” he added.
“Everyone else would love to be in that room, and I certainly don’t ever want to take it for granted.”

Determined to savour the moment, the grand slam chaser approached the elite gathering with a highly grounded perspective.

“I tried to treat it as if it was the only time I would host a dinner. Hopefully it’s not but, if it is, I tried to do it the right way.”

Finding the next destination

Prior to last year’s triumph, McIlroy had openly viewed an Augusta victory as the final destination of his illustrious career.

Having now joined an elite club alongside the likes of Tiger Woods, his focus has shifted towards defining his ongoing legacy.

His refined preparation strategy now blends meticulous course reconnaissance with a conscious effort to enjoy the tournament atmosphere.

“I’m just going to try to keep enjoying my week, but I know to do that I just have to go out there and play good golf – that’s what I’m focused on.”

Overview

Six-time major champion Nick Faldo has urged Jon Rahm to pay his outstanding DP World Tour fines to ensure his eligibility for next year’s Ryder Cup.

The Spanish two-time major winner faces penalties exceeding £2m for participating in conflicting LIV Golf tournaments.

Until the financial dispute is resolved, the former world number one remains barred from European calendar events and the 2025 Ryder Cup in Ireland.

LIV Golfers strike deals but stalemate remains

Eight of his fellow breakaway players, including European teammate Tyrrell Hatton, have already accepted agreements to clear outstanding dues and commit to mandatory tour appearances.

However, the 29-year-old has steadfastly refused to pay, despite recently withdrawing his formal legal appeal against the sanctions.

“Yes, we keep talking with the DP World Tour trying to figure out a solution that works best,” said Rahm when asked about his Ryder Cup hopes.
“I didn’t think that going the legal route and going to court was good for anybody so I have faith in us and the DP World Tour that we’re going to find a good solution for both of us.”

Faldo demands ‘gratitude’ from LIV rebels

European golf legend Faldo believes those who departed for vast Saudi-backed riches need to tread carefully regarding their ongoing demands.

“The real bottom line is these guys have got to show a bit of gratitude,” stated the 66-year-old Englishman.
“Don’t get full of your own importance, if you take six months off, golf would move on, wouldn’t it?”
“He is an important member to the last couple of Ryder Cups, but if he’s not there, he’s not there, so if you want to be there, pay up, my goodness.”

Autumn swing ambitions hang in the balance

The reigning Masters champion still hopes to compete in upcoming autumn events, including the Spanish Open, Irish Open, and BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Dismissing claims of scheduling freedom, Faldo noted that signing lucrative breakaway agreements naturally restricts a player’s ability to pick and choose traditional tour stops.

“All they’ve asked for was to play a couple of designated events, you earn a boat load of money so give back, because it’ll pay forward, it’s as simple as that,” Faldo concluded.
“As of now, the DP World Tour is doing what they need to do and following the channels they need to follow, but I’m confident this will be sorted out before I tee it up in September,” added the Spaniard.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy begins his quest for back-to-back victories at the 2026 Masters as world number one Scottie Scheffler targets a third Green Jacket at Augusta National.

The Northern Irishman completed the career Grand Slam at last year’s tournament after defeating Justin Rose in a dramatic play-off.

He will now attempt to retain his title against a 91-player field in the opening major of the year.

Scheffler leads the challengers

Scheffler arrives in Georgia as the pre-tournament favourite despite a recent dip in form.

The American has failed to register a top-10 finish in his last three PGA Tour outings.

Heavyweight contenders Bryson DeChambeau and Xander Schauffele are also expected to feature prominently on the leaderboard.

Meanwhile, Cameron Young is looking to become the third consecutive player to win The Masters immediately after claiming victory at The Players Championship.

English hopes and perfect conditions

A strong English contingent features Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood.

The trio are all bidding to become just the third Englishman in history to triumph at the iconic venue.

Competitors will be greeted by flawless weather conditions throughout the four tournament days.

Forecasters predict dry skies and steadily increasing temperatures, peaking at a hot 29C (85F) over the weekend.

Two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau will play at the Masters this week using a 5-iron he fabricated himself with a 3D printer.

The 32-year-old American confirmed his unconventional equipment choice after completing a nine-hole practice round at Augusta National.

The United States Golf Association must officially approve the bespoke club before it can be used in tournament competition.

The ‘Mad Scientist’ pursues innovation

Nicknamed the “Mad Scientist” for his physics-based approach to the sport, the LIV Golf captain revealed he has spent years developing his own clubs.

When asked why he was introducing the self-built iron at the first major of the year, the tournament hopeful was characteristically blunt.

“Because they’re finally ready.”

The heavy-hitting golfer elaborated on his relentless pursuit of marginal gains and his willingness to experiment.

“There’s this nature that I have about myself where innovation is a habit of mine, and I really find and take pride in that ability to learn.”

Evolving approach at Augusta National

The former major winner arrives in Georgia in exceptional form, having secured his second consecutive LIV Golf victory in South Africa last month.

His strategy at the iconic venue has shifted significantly over the years.

He previously sparked controversy by declaring he would treat the demanding Augusta layout as a par-67 course due to his immense driving distance.

After that aggressive game plan backfired, a more conservative approach has yielded top-10 finishes in his past two Masters appearances.

A completely revamped golf bag

The equipment innovator ended his manufacturing deals with Cobra and LA Golf earlier this year.

His bag currently features an eclectic mix of gear, including a Krank driver, Avoda irons, and Bettinardi wedges.

Now, he is prepared to test his own engineering on golf’s grandest stage.

“We’ll see where it goes. We’ll see where it takes me,” DeChambeau said.
“All I could say now is, if I don’t put them in the bag, it’s my fault now.”