Nebraska women’s volleyball star Harper Murray was cited for DUI in Lincoln, Nebraska on Friday after police observed her allegedly committing multiple traffic violations around 12:45 a.m. local time. She was suspected of driving under the influence, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.169, well above the legal limit of 0.08 in Nebraska. Murray was also found to be in possession of a fake ID and failed to comply with multiple directives from officers, resulting in citations for first offense DUI, careless driving, minor in possession, possession of a fake ID, and obstructing a peace officer. The incident was released on the Lincoln police blotter, and Nebraska’s athletic department spokesperson stated they were aware of the situation and awaiting further information.
Despite this recent incident, Harper Murray had an impressive freshman year with the Cornhuskers, being named to the AVCA All-America Third Team and earning spots on the All-Big Ten Conference First Team and All-Freshman Team. Murray recorded double-digit kills in 23 matches and had the highest kills per set (3.23) by a Cornhuskers player since 2013. Prior to joining Nebraska, she was named National Gatorade Player of the Year and Michigan Volleyball Player of the Year in 2022, and helped the U.S. U-19 team achieve gold at the 2022 Pan American Cup. The Cornhuskers also set a world record for attendance last August, with 92,000 fans watching a match against Omaha at Memorial Stadium.
The legal consequences of Harper Murray’s DUI incident in Lincoln have not been specified, but her status with the Nebraska women’s volleyball team may be impacted as the university’s athletic department receives more information. In addition to the DUI citation, Murray also faces charges for careless driving, minor in possession, possessing a fake ID, and obstructing a peace officer. The university and team will likely assess the situation and determine any disciplinary actions or support Murray may need as a student-athlete. Her arrest has brought attention to the issue of athletes facing legal troubles, and how programs handle such situations to ensure the well-being and accountability of their players.
As news of Harper Murray’s DUI citation spreads, Nebraska’s athletic department faces scrutiny as they navigate the situation and determine the appropriate response. The university’s reputation and the image of the women’s volleyball program could be impacted by how they handle Murray’s case and address any consequences or disciplinary actions. Athletes facing legal issues is not uncommon in the sports world, but it highlights the importance of accountability, responsibility, and support systems within athletic programs to ensure the well-being and success of student-athletes both on and off the field. Murray’s talent and potential as a rising star in women’s volleyball may now be overshadowed by her legal troubles, creating a challenging situation for herself, her team, and the university.
