The legal battle between former Indiana University basketball players and the school has entered a new phase. The players, who allege mistreatment by former team physician Dr. Brad Bomba Sr., have officially appealed a federal District Court's decision to dismiss their class-action lawsuit.

This appeal moves the high-profile case to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The initial dismissal, issued on April 1, was based on a two-year statute of limitations and jurisdictional grounds for other claims. The plaintiffs, including former Hoosiers Haris Mujezinovic, Charlie Miller, John Flowers, and Larry Richardson Jr., filed their lawsuit in October 2024. They allege they were subjected to "medically unnecessary, invasive and sexually abusive rectal examinations" during routine physicals.

In a recent statement, Mujezinovic expressed frustration with the university's response, contrasting it with actions taken by other major athletic programs facing similar crises. "I continue to be amazed that Indiana University has not taken ownership of this problem like Michigan State, Penn State, and to some degree Ohio State did," he said.

The university previously engaged the international law firm Jones Day to conduct an independent investigation. Their 874-page report, released last May, concluded that Dr. Bomba did not act in "bad faith" or with "improper purpose" in performing the exams, stating they were part of his standard annual physical procedure.

This appeal underscores the players' determination to seek accountability, keeping a difficult chapter for Indiana basketball in the legal spotlight. Their attorney, Kathleen DeLaney, stated they are proud of their clients' "commitment and courage in continuing to seek justice."