Report Alleges Schembechler Was Aware of Docs Improper Touching
A report was released Wednesday that alleges former U of M coach Bo Schembechler was made aware by players of improper touching by Dr. Robert Anderson.
For decades former University of Michigan players have complained of improper touching during physical examinations from Dr. Robert Anderson. Law Firm WilmerHale released a report that included allegations of abuse that went on for decades.
According to FOX 17, Anderson worked at the University of Michigan from 1966 until he retired in 2003. He passed away in 2008.
Several former U of M football players have given graphic detail of improper exams given by Anderson, and those same players so they brought it to Schembechlers attention. One former player said the doctor had fondled his testicles while giving him a rectal exam.
Another former player said in 1982 he got an exam from Anderson who played with his genitalia while the examination took place. He then brought this to Schembechlers attention and Schembechler said he would look into it but never said anything else about it.
Another player in the late 70s ask coach Schembechler, "what's up with the finger in the butt treatment by Dr. Anderson." Schembechler allegedly replied, "toughen up."
The WilmerHale report also indicated that after interviewing multiple University staffers that worked with Schembechler all said that if he knew Dr. Anderson was improperly handling his patients, he would not have tolerated it.
FOX 17 reported the statement from the university:
"To All Members of the Campus Community:
The University of Michigan offers its heartfelt apology for the abuse perpetrated by the late Robert Anderson.
Today, we received WilberHale's 240-page report at the same time it was released publicly. The report is available on the U-M Board of Regents website. We will thoughtfully and diligently reveiw and assess the report's findings, conclusions, and recommendations; and we will work to regain the trust of survivors and to assure that we foster a safe environment for our students, our employees, and our community."
Bo's son Glee E. "Shemy" Schembechler said, "Bo was not one of these people to hide secrets like this. When he saw something that was wrong, he would've fixed it right then and there."