University of Michigan investigating hockey program for alleged COVID deception, toxic environment

A law firm has been hired to conduct an investigation into the University of Michigan's hockey program after accusations of COVID deception and creating a toxic environment. The university itself ordered the investigation fter a complaint filed by an unnamed individual. A response from the law firm hired to conduct the investigation was obtained by MLive/The Ann Arbor News.

In the letter, Bruce Berman, general counsel of the WilmerHale law firm informed the individual that the hockey program is being investigation over the following allegations:

- Head coach Mel Pearson "instructing students to lie on their COVID-19 tracing forms."

- Pearson and Director of Hockey Operations Rick Bancroft discriminating against female staffers and "creating a toxic work environment for female support staff."

- Pearson retaliating against a student athlete for "raising concerns" about the hockey team's culture.

- Bancroft knowing about sexual misconduct committed by the late athletic doctor Robert Anderson.

According to the report by MLive/The Ann Arbor News, the complaint was filed just before the start of the 2021 NCAA Hockey Tournament. Cases of COVID-19 forced the University of Michigan men's team to withdraw from the tournament, while the previous year's tournament was scrapped completely. At the time, Pearson was not happy with the decision to withdraw.

"I don't completely understand the final decision but I have to respect it," he said at the time.

The outside law firm was brought in to investigate due to the allegations involving the deceased doctor. MLive/The Ann Arbor News' report states "UM settled for $490 million last week with 1,050 of the students and athletes that survived Anderson's sexual abuse, often involving digital penetration during unnecessary prostate exams or fondling of genitals."

Source: MLive/The Ann Arbor News

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