Sexual Abuse and Harassment in Professional Sports

Behind the Spotlight: What Power Often Hides

Professional athletes train for years to reach the top. The spotlight, the endorsements, the national stages, they make it look glamorous. But behind closed doors, abuse can still happen. And when it does, it’s often buried under power, contracts, and the fear of losing everything.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our sports abuse attorneys have worked with survivors across New York’s sports world. These include athletes, trainers, team staff, and others who were harassed or assaulted by people in power, coaches, executives, and teammates. Whether you’re under contract or retired, you still have rights. And we’re here to help you understand them.

What Sexual Abuse Looks Like at the Professional Level

Sexual abuse and harassment don’t always involve physical assault. In pro sports, it can be more about control, influence, and fear. It often involves people who think they can get away with it because of their status, or the silence of the locker room.

Abuse and harassment might include:

• Repeated sexual comments or unwanted advances
• Physical touch that goes beyond professional boundaries
• Pressure to engage in sexual activity for career advancement
• Being filmed or photographed without consent
• Threats of retaliation for refusing sexual behavior

Many athletes stay silent because they’re afraid of losing their spot, losing sponsorships, or being labeled as “difficult.” Some are even told they’ll never play again if they speak up.

Power, Silence, and the Culture of Winning

In professional sports, power is rarely equal. Coaches, owners, agents, and medical staff often hold a level of control over athletes’ careers. That power can be used to protect or to exploit.

The problem? Too often, winning and profit are prioritized over safety and accountability.

Some teams protect their brand instead of their players. Others pressure survivors to “stay quiet for the good of the organization.” Harassment is dismissed as joking. Assault is buried under legal contracts and nondisclosure agreements.

This isn’t just wrong. It’s dangerous.

Grooming and Coercion in Elite Spaces

In high-stakes sports, grooming can be subtle. It often starts with flattery, special treatment, or over-involvement in an athlete’s personal life. The relationship starts to feel like family, until boundaries slowly erode.

You might see:

• Unusual closeness between an athlete and a coach or executive
• One-on-one meetings or training sessions that others aren’t invited to
• Isolation from teammates
• Emotional pressure disguised as mentorship

When grooming turns into abuse, the victim often feels too conflicted to speak up. That’s no accident. It’s part of how predators manipulate and maintain silence.

When a Teammate Crosses the Line

It’s not always coaches or execs. Some athletes have been sexually harassed or assaulted by teammates. These cases are often harder to report because of the intense team loyalty and fear of locker room backlash.

Signs of harassment within teams may include:

• Locker room hazing that crosses into sexual territory
• Repeated crude jokes or touching
• Targeting younger or new teammates
• Isolation or bullying after rejecting advances

This behavior should never be dismissed as “just part of the culture.” You have the right to a safe and respectful workplace, no matter what level you compete at.

What Legal Protections Exist for Pro Athletes?

In New York, several legal pathways are available to survivors of abuse in professional sports:

• Civil lawsuits against the individual and the team or organization
• Workplace harassment claims under New York State Human Rights Law
• Criminal charges in cases of assault or coercion

You don’t need to file criminal charges to pursue justice. A civil lawsuit can help you:

• Recover damages for emotional distress, lost earnings, or therapy costs
• Expose organizational negligence or cover-ups
• Push for internal reforms and safety policies

Many survivors in pro sports choose civil action because it gives them more control over the process, and more privacy.

Confidentiality and Fear of Retaliation

One of the biggest reasons survivors in professional sports stay silent is fear. Fear of losing their contract. Fear of being blacklisted. Fear of media scrutiny. These fears are real—but there are ways to protect yourself.

In civil cases, you may be able to file anonymously. Your attorney can also negotiate confidentiality agreements that shield your identity. And under New York law, retaliation for reporting abuse is illegal.

If someone tries to silence you with threats or legal pressure, that can become part of your case. And it can strengthen your legal standing.

What If You Signed an NDA?

Non-disclosure agreements are common in pro sports. Some teams ask athletes or staff to sign them after internal complaints, or even before any abuse is reported.

Here’s the truth: NDAs can’t stop you from reporting a crime. They can’t legally block you from filing a civil lawsuit. If an NDA is being used to silence abuse, courts may throw it out.

If you’re unsure about something you signed, talk to a lawyer before making any decisions. We’ve helped clients challenge NDAs successfully in New York courts.

Agencies That Can Help

If you want to report or seek help outside of the team or league structure, you can:

• File a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights, which handles employment-related discrimination and harassment claims.
• Seek crisis assistance through the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault, which offers confidential services and legal referrals for survivors across the state.

These agencies can support your next steps, whether you’re ready to act or just need information.

Taking That First Step

You don’t need to be certain. You don’t need every detail. You just need someone to listen.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our sexual abuse attorneys have worked with professional athletes who feared they’d never be believed. We helped them find their voice, and take back their power. We’ll protect your privacy, explain your rights in plain language, and stand with you whether you want to report quietly or go public.

You’ve trained your whole life to stand strong under pressure. Let us help you stand stronger now.