Michigan Doctor Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of Young Athletes

PONTIAC, Mich. — Zvi Levran, a doctor known as the “hockey doc,” was sentenced to at least 10 years in prison on Tuesday for sexually abusing young athletes in the Detroit area.

Levran, 68, faced allegations from multiple victims who claimed he groped them during sports physicals or while they sought treatment for injuries. Some victims reported that he showered with them after practices. A particularly disturbing allegation involved Levran performing oral sex on a patient during an appointment for a hip injury.

The case has drawn comparisons to that of Larry Nassar, the former Michigan sports doctor who is serving a long prison sentence for sexually assaulting young women and possessing child pornography.

In court, Levran addressed the victims, saying, “As I stand here in front of you, and I see the individual victims who were affected either directly or indirectly from my actions, it is very difficult to try and say anything for myself, and I’m not going to.”

Levran pleaded no contest to 28 crimes in Oakland County, including third-degree criminal sexual conduct. In Michigan, a no-contest plea is treated as a conviction at sentencing. He will be eligible for parole after serving 10 years.

Prosecutor Karen McDonald praised the bravery of the victims who came forward, stating, “The courage of the victims who came forward against Levran helped prevent this predator from abusing future victims.”

One victim, now 29 years old, told Judge Yasmine Poles that the abuse has significantly affected her mental health. “It haunts me, but I just know now he has no power over me,” she said.