Desert Mountain coach indicted on sex charge
Sep. 24—A former ASU and NFL punter who coached at his alma mater Desert Mountain High School was indicted in Nebraska on charges related to sex with a minor.
According to the FBI, Murphy is charged with "transportation of a minor for the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual activity."
After being indicted Aug. 22, Murphy made an initial appearance in an Omaha federal courtroom Wednesday, Sept. 20.
After Murphy entered a not guilty plea, Magistrate Judge Susan Bazis ordered him to quit coaching and not come into contact with minors.
According to court documents, Murphy "did knowingly travel and transport in interstate commerce from Omaha, Nebraska to Tucson, Arizona, a female who had not attained the age of 18 years, for the purpose of engaging in a sexual activity with the female."
The incident allegedly happened in October 2021.
On Sept. 20, the judge ordered Murphy to wear an ankle monitor and stay with his parents in Scottsdale until he faces trial at a date to be scheduled.
Scottsdale Unified School District sent the following email to Desert Mountain families:
"Earlier this evening we learned that one of our volunteer freshman football coaches has been indicted in the state of Nebraska. We want you to know that this person cleared a background check and had level one fingerprint clearance prior to being permitted to volunteer with our program. Upon learning of these out-of-state legal proceedings, he will no longer be volunteering with our program or anywhere in our district."
Prior to returning to Scottsdale, Murphy lived in Nebraska, where he operated a dance studio.
The FBI's Omaha office "is seeking the public's help in identifying potential victims who attended dance studio, Dance Authority, from approximately 2011 to present."
For information or to file a report, visit forms.fbi.gov/nicholasmurphy.
After a year at Scottsdale Community College, Murphy appeared in 24 games at ASU in 1999 and 2000. In his senior year, he was a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award (recognizing the top punter in college).
Murphy played for three teams (Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles) in 2004 and 2005, punting 29 times in the NFL.
According to his ASU bio, Murphy is a 1998 graduate of Desert Mountain High School who lettered two years in football, four years in track and two years in soccer.
He was the soccer team's MVP in 1997 and set a school record with a 66-yard punt in 1998.
