Riverside Faces Sexual Abuse Trial: Judge Rejects Motion for Summary Verdict
New York Judge Allows Youth Basketball Abuse Case Against Riverside Church to Proceed
In a groundbreaking decision, a New York judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit against Riverside Church filed by former basketball player Daryl Powell. The allegations against the church center around their negligence in protecting Powell and other players from sexual abuse by the late coach, Ernest Lorch.
Lorch, who founded and coached the Riverside Hawks, is accused of numerous acts of sexual abuse by more than two dozen former players. These players claim that Lorch used predatory tactics to groom and repeatedly assault them, with the church failing to prevent or respond to these actions.
Powell, who joined the team at age 13 in 1974, alleges incidents such as being ordered to pull down his pants so Lorch could fondle him. He also accuses the church of possessing actual knowledge of Lorch's actions but taking no meaningful action to protect the players.
In her ruling, Judge Sabrina Kraus cited the far-reaching influence and authority of Lorch, who built the Hawks into one of the most powerful AAU programs in the country and used sponsorships (including from Nike) to provide free apparel to players, helping them secure places in elite college basketball programs.
The judge found that summary judgment for the church was unwarranted due to insufficient evidence that they lacked actual or constructive notice of Lorch's actions or proper supervision over him. She also noted that the church's defense, based on alleged gaps in Powell's testimony, falls short of the standard required for summary judgment.
Meanwhile, Powell has presented considerable proof of sexual abuse. Allegations include Lorch's inappropriate comments about underwear, as well as physical abuse such as fondling, grabbing, rubbing, and paddling these boys. These incidents occurred over several years and involved multiple boys, implying that Riverside Church should have been aware or should have known about the abuse.
Following the passage of the Child Victims Act in New York, these older plaintiffs (many in their 50s and 60s) were given a window to file lawsuits against their abusers. This legislation has resulted in over 10,000 lawsuits against various institutions, including Riverside Church. However, the pace of these lawsuits has faced criticism from victims' advocates, who push for faster paths to trials and settlements.
While the outcome of the trial is yet to be determined, it is clear that this case is bound to bring renewed scrutiny to the Riverside Church and its handling of allegations of sexual abuse within its youth basketball program.
The renewed scrutiny toward Riverside Church's handling of sexual abuse within its youth basketball program may prompt a general-news analysis, examining the church's response to allegations against the late coach, Ernest Lorch. People following crime-and-justice news may find the ongoing trial involving Daryl Powell and Riverside Church of particular interest, given the numerous accusations of sexual abuse against Lorch. Sports enthusiasts, specifically basketball fans, may also be interested in the progress of this case, as it involves the infamous Riverside Hawks AAU program, which was once sponsored by Nike.
