NCAA Sex-Abuse Claims Appear to Divide Seventh Circuit Panel

A federal appellate panel seemed deeply divided Tuesday over claims that the National Collegiate Athletic Association has a legal duty to protect student-athletes from sexual abuse by coaches.

Judge Thomas Kirsch II of the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit hammered hard on an attorney for three anonymous former players, asking repeatedly whether the NCAA has any specific rules governing coaches’ sexual conduct.

“Where does the NCAA say ‘we’re taking on that duty’?” Kirsch asked. “Beyond these broad statements that the NCAA protects the well-being of students?”

Attorney Jonathan Selbin pointed to the NCAA’s stated mission to ...