Butler University has released a statement about the lawsuit stating, “the health, safety, and well-being of our campus community is always our top priority.” Photo courtesy of Google.

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — Three Butler University women’s soccer players have filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday, July 26, alleging the soccer team’s former athletic trainer, Michael Howell, sexually assaulted and groomed multiple players.

The lawsuit stated Michael Howell allegedly committed the sexual misconduct over the course of multiple years. The alleged acts occurred in Butler University’s training room, offices, buses and Howell’s private hotel rooms during the team’s away games.

The sexual misconduct occurred while Howell was under the supervision of Ralph Reiff, Butler University’s associate athletic director for student-athlete health, performance and well-being.

The lawsuit states instead of giving athletic massages, that should only last around 10 minutes and applied to a specific area, Howell would give the athletes full-body massages in his private room that could last several hours.

Butler University has released a statement about the lawsuit stating, “the health, safety, and well-being of our campus community is always our top priority.”