An Olympian wrestler has come forth with allegations of sexual abuse against a doctor from the University of Michigan. His claims come two days after the school announced it had launched an investigation after receiving similar reports against the late Dr. Robert E. Anderson from five other former patients.
"I would like to let people know that it’s OK to come out," said Andy Hrovat, who told The Associated Press that the encounters took place in 1998, during his freshman year. "It’s OK to let your voice be heard."
The athlete, who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics, recalled how teammates warned him against Anderson, who would "inappropriately touch" his patients. That was just what "Dr. A does," they said.
Hrovat did not report the abuse to his coach or the athletic administration because he said Anderson made it seem as if it was a normal part of the procedure.
"So why would you tell somebody?" he said.
Hrovat has been joined by other former students in speaking out against Anderson.
Gary Bailey was completing his senior year in 1968 or 1969 when Anderson reportedly unbuckled his pants and asked him to fondle his genitals, the AP reported.
Robert Julian Stone claimed he had been assaulted by Anderson during a medical examination at the school in 1971.
Anderson worked as a team physician from 1968 until 2003 in the athletics department and as director of the University Health Service. He died in 2008.
John Manly, the lawyer representing victims in the Larry Nassar case, told AP that several others have called to report abuse by Anderson.
"Most didn’t speak up because they were concerned he wouldn’t clear them to play. And if you’re not cleared by the doctor, you lose your athletic scholarship," Manly said.
"He had tremendous control. These at the time boys and young men were subjected to this stuff knowing that if they said anything, they were fearful he would retaliate."
On Thursday, the president of the University of Michigan released a statement apologizing to "anyone who was harmed by Dr. Anderson" and calling for others to come forward to report sexual misconduct.
"This week, the university publicly reached out to anyone with information about the late Dr. Robert E. Anderson who believes that they were subjected to sexual misconduct during medical exams by him," the statement read. "This follows completion of a police investigation that found significant evidence of abuse. These results were provided to the prosecutor’s office."
The university said it has since taken steps to determine who else may have been abused by Anderson or may have further information to share. The school will also be providing support and counseling resources to anyone who was "harmed."
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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