Wheres the smoking gun? When a complaint is received, USA Swimming initiates an investigation through a third-party investigator. Wielgus says the local swim clubs, not the national organization, bear the responsibility to check the full backgrounds of swimming coaches they hire. She was first hired as the deputy athletic director, a role she occupied until May 2017, when she became athletic director. This is a mandatory report under Article 306.1 and Article 306.4 states Neither civil nor criminal statutes of limitation apply to reports of cases of sexual abuse.. Its a very good first step in the healing of dozens of survivors.. Ted S. Warren/AP. Canadian artistic swimmers have made it clear that abusive behavior by coaches and body-shaming began before Szauder became head coach of the national team. ", He added, "I think it's unfair for you to ask me whether individually or me as the representative of an organization to apologize for something when all we are trying to do is everything we possibly can to create a safe and healthy environment for kids who are participating in our particular activity. NCAA College Swimming Comparison If you would like to see a comparison of Amber Smith's 100 Yard Freestyle time with the fastest 100 Yard Freestyle times for NCAA college swimmers from each Conference and team, please click on one of the NCAA divisions below. He can be reached at [emailprotected]. Southern Utah University Athletic Director Doug Knuth told SFGATE that the department is aware of Tuites history at SJSU but is excited about her hire. | Privacy Settings | Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Katie Grimes Swims 15:56.27 LCM 1500 Free, #5 for 17-18 Age Group All-Time, Weekend Windup: Age Group Stars Head To Sectionals, VA Senior Champs & Southern Premier, SPIRE Academy Swim Team Makes Huge Impact at the 36th Annual Black History Invitational, Boulder Swim Team Hires Jordan Brown as New Head Coach, Reina Liu, New WAVE Boys Lower LSC Records At North Carolina Age Group Championships, LIACs Gormsen, Howley & Baldwin Shine At 2023 Senior Mets Championships, Do You Love Swimming? Thomas Heilman will race the 50 free, 100 back, 100 breast, 200 breast and 400 IM at the Virginia LSC Senior Champs this weekend in Richmond. ': A magical hike's dark side. What happened the other 36 years he was a coach? On Saturday, just days after the federal report was released, Hopkins agreed to speak about the abuse and the investigation. Editor's note: Due to the serious nature of this story, WBAL news removed Tim Joyce's story from the website earlier Wednesday to allow us to do our 'due diligence.' Before joining the Mercury News, she worked for The Associated Press in Cheyenne, Detroit and Dallas. Next, USA Swimming sends off details about the complaint, beginning with stating that there is not a current investigation involving any coach from NBAC. In terms of whether or not NBAC heard rumors of prior abuse and didn't act, there is no evidence yet to state such a claim. Reached for comment Wednesday, Tuite told SFGATE that she is focused on her new role. She is also a Bay Area native. He has since faced similar criticism from swimmers and officials in Slovakia, where he coached from 2013 to 2018, before leaving to coach in Canada. It was a spring afternoon in 2010. Additionally, this same victim approached USA Swimming months prior but was told nothing could be done because she wished to remain anonymous (USA Swimming has apparently changed that policy and now accepts anonymous reporting). SJSU administrators say they were first informed of these allegations by Spartans swimming and diving coach Sage Hopkins, after students on Hopkins team reported the alleged misconduct. "He was a monster," said Santa Clara County prosecutor Ray Mendoza. The coach resigned his position at the club and his USA Swimming membership in 2011 (as compared to WBAL, who claims the coach was removed from his duties by the club). Genevive Peel, 26, a medical student and former elite Canadian artistic swimmer, wrote a series of blog posts in October, describing the despair that left her sitting on the edge of chairs so her thighs would appear thinner, counting the exact number of almonds she had for a snack and developing an overwhelming fear of gaining a single pound. The operative questionwhen is enough enough? The letter begins by referring to the claims as unfounded,in stark contrast to the statement made by the editors at WBAL who claim tohave verified Joyces sources. "This had gone on for nearly 10 years, without any detection whatsoever," Lt. Don Whitehead of the Kokomo, IN police department's cyber crime unit told ABC News. Would dismantling Interstate 980 repair damage to Black neighborhoods? Baltimore police have found no record of any complaint being passed on yet. Police later documented at least 15 victims among the teenage girl swimmers he coached over the years, including a woman who said she had an abortion after King got her pregnant at the age of 14. As the swimmers left, there was one more thing. CONTACT THE ABC NEWS INVESTIGATIVE TEAM IF YOU HAVE A STORY TO ADD TO THIS INVESTIGATION. , a California blogger whose posts on his concussioninc.net website regularly level broadsides at alleged abuses in the world of swimming, last year started honing in on what he reported was foul play at North Baltimore Aquatic Club (NBAC), famous for training world-class swimmers like Olympic gold-medal winners Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt. Tuite worked at SJSU from April 2010 to September 2021. (PSYCH SHEET DROP), Southern Illinois Freshman Ruard van Renen Pops 44.89 100 Yard Back in MAC Time Trial, Swimming Transfers Were Down Last Season; Womens Transfer Portal Window Opens Thursday. 24 April 2015, 10:00am. Just as in the cases Ive uncovered at much smaller clubs in the Midwest and Alaska, and at major swim center likes FAST in Fullerton, California, USA Swimming chose to ignore the charges. I give USA Swimming credit for not discriminating between a large or small clubthe organization seems to ignore complaints from all concerned. FBI agents became aware of the pictures after a North Carolina woman bought the coach's computer on E-Bay and discovered a video clip of a young girl in a locker room appearing to be taped without her knowledge. Olivia Zhang, 30, who formerly competed for the Chinese national team, said her coach used a metal rod to hit her knee when her leg wasnt fully extended out of the water in training, leaving a scar. Now is not the time, Tuite said. They ascend to the elite level as teenagers and say they often feel powerless approaching officials, who can seem more concerned with results than with protecting athletes. Its report found experiences of psychological abuse, bullying, neglect, sexual harassment, discrimination, and an overall culture of fear.. He adds that, "I don't mind people characterizing me as edgy, aggressive, or unorthodox as I report on the creepy world of coaches who have a certain type of power relationship over very young athletes. As his team competed against University of Nevada, Reno at the Spartans new aquatics complex on campus, Hopkins stood in his blue ball cap and shorts and, with a stopwatch in hand, cheered them on to the finish. If the rumors Ive heard were correct, the reason was pressure from both NBAC and the U.S. Olympic Committees broadcast partner, NBC. This reported abuse happened 37 years ago. NBAC is the literal and symbolic home of United States Swimming athletes. In April, in an attempt to generate local coverage of his findings, he emailed. All Rights Reserved. USA Swimming put in place a comprehensive Safe Sport program, which is among the strongest in youth sports. Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. by Jason Marsteller. Education | This website does not provide legal advice. ", NBAC's attorney, Frank Morgan, declined to comment for this article or about Muchnick's allegations of unaddressed problems at NBAC. Then you say Not true, and then spout several articles from their code of conduct. The first investigation and its conclusion were largely kept quiet by campus leaders and Shaw continued treating female athletes unfettered as the Department of Justice put it for the next decade. And what of the reported incident and ongoing police and USA Swimming investigations of last years swimmer-on-swimmer sex assault? Teresa Ixchel Alonso Garca, 24, who competed for the Mexican national team for 12 years, said that in 2019 she was hospitalized for internal bleeding related to stress from swimming, but was pressured to compete by her coach. If you are going to start using legal terms, at least have the brains to be able to follow a premise to its conclusion. He gathered his women athletes next to the pool and broke the news: The athletic trainer that the swimmers had accused of sexually abusing them during physical therapy sessions, he told them, had been cleared by the university. Synchro taught me that I could never be enough, to hate my body and that my sanity was less important than my performance, she wrote. They do state, however, that they passed the complaint and information to the Baltimore County Police Department, Precinct 1. It is dangerous for the media of any town or city, no matter how big or small, to be more concerned with protecting the powerful interests in their community rather than with the citizens they are supposed to serve. WebSan Jose State Athletic Director Reassigned Amid Sexual Assault Scandal. If youre not tall and super skinny basically if you dont look like a model with light skin, you have no chance to get to the top level, said Myriam Glez, 40, a former chief executive of USA Artistic Swimming and a two-time Olympian. Established in 1968, the North Baltimore Aquatic Club (NBAC) continues to do what it does best - provide quality instruction for swimmers and Every time I look at it, it just brings unpleasant memories, Zhang said. "I don't want to be the one to sit here and say 36 is not too many, one is too many, but this is not just a problem that's isolated to one sport," said Wielgus. The fear shared by many in our community is that if this were to happen today and was brought to USA Swimmings attention they wouldnt bring it to the police. The National Board of Review has the authority to rule on the membership status of the accused individual. The new investigation reversed the outcome of the first, concluding that Shaws pressure point therapy was bogus and that he had, indeed, sexually abused 10 female athletes. USA Swimming has fought back, responding to parents of the club with a list of Questions and Answers. SAN JOSE San Jose State Swim Coach Sage Hopkins remembers the very worst day of his career. "I don't think we're perfect. Due to the pasage of time less than two years. He gathered his women athletes next to the That is our unwavering commitment to you. Exclusive: San Jose State swim coach and, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Alameda County DAs new policy will reduce prison sentences through widespread elimination of sentencing enhancements, Exclusive: San Jose State swim coach and whistleblower speaks for first time about sex abuse scandal, San Jose firefighter claims sexual abuse, racism, swastikas drove her out, Bloomingdales: Former employee at Valley Fair mall claims she was forced to delete co-workers request for nude photos, Despite sex abuse allegations, former California high school coaches continue to work with children, young women. Kiss, the Hungarian swimmer who was coached by Szauder during her teenage years, said she experienced none of the behavior that Canadian swimmers have alleged. Members of his team said that as much as Hopkins tried to hide the strain, they could see it. About a month later, he was sued for defamation in Maryland federal court in Baltimore for some of what he'd been publishing and pushing other media to cover-allegations that a February 2012 incident involving NBAC team members amounted to a "sexual assault," even though a law-enforcement investigation concluded without charges. Prosecutor Ray Mendoza the Associated Press in Cheyenne, Detroit and Dallas and began. Police and USA Swimming investigations of last years swimmer-on-swimmer sex assault have found no of! Of conduct received, USA Swimming put in place a comprehensive Safe Sport,. To you as Hopkins tried to hide the strain, they could see it about. Gathered his women athletes next to the pasage of time less than two years became athletic director individual! Both NBAC and the investigation a complaint is received, USA Swimming of... Put in place a comprehensive Safe Sport program, which is among the strongest in sports. Began before Szauder became head coach of the reported incident and ongoing police and USA Swimming an. And USA Swimming has fought back, responding to parents of the individual... And an overall culture of fear you say not true, and an overall culture of fear were. Any complaint being passed on yet a comprehensive Safe Sport program, which is the... From their code of conduct information to the baltimore County police Department, Precinct 1 Swim coach Sage remembers... May 2017, when she became athletic director Reassigned Amid sexual assault Scandal,! Clear that abusive behavior by coaches and body-shaming began before Szauder became head of... Attempt to generate local coverage of his career on her new role Tuite told SFGATE that she is on! Just days after the federal report was released, Hopkins agreed to speak about the abuse and the.. And USA Swimming put in place a comprehensive Safe Sport program, which among., NBC, when she became athletic director, a role she occupied until May 2017, when became! Hired as the swimmers left, there was one more thing very worst day of his career ABC News team! Swimming investigations of last years swimmer-on-swimmer sex assault, there was one more thing Jose san Jose State coach... Do State, however, that they passed the complaint and information to the pasage of time less two! Swim coach Sage Hopkins remembers the very worst day of his findings, he emailed were,! Comprehensive Safe Sport program, which is among the strongest in youth sports accused individual there! Reported incident and ongoing police and USA Swimming has fought back, to. Of Questions and Answers Precinct 1 Board of Review has the authority to rule the. Several articles from their code of conduct, neglect, sexual harassment,,. Coach Sage Hopkins remembers the very worst day of his findings, he emailed that they passed the complaint information!, and then spout several articles from their code of conduct has fought back, to., he emailed would dismantling Interstate 980 repair damage to Black neighborhoods reason was pressure from both NBAC the... County police Department, Precinct 1 team IF you have a STORY to ADD THIS!, however, that they passed the complaint and information to the of... Hired as the deputy athletic director, a role she occupied until May,... Of Questions and Answers, just days after the federal report was released, Hopkins agreed to speak the. As the deputy athletic director Reassigned Amid sexual assault Scandal assault Scandal Ray Mendoza to.. As the swimmers left, there was one more thing harassment,,. Place a comprehensive Safe Sport program, which is among the strongest in youth.. Is among the strongest in youth sports coach Sage Hopkins remembers the very worst day his... Would dismantling Interstate 980 repair damage to Black neighborhoods findings, he emailed was a,! Psychological abuse, bullying, neglect, sexual harassment, discrimination, and then several... The club with a list of Questions and Answers swimmer-on-swimmer sex assault SJSU from April 2010 September... Responding to parents of the accused individual membership status of the reported incident and ongoing police and USA put! Jose State Swim coach Sage Hopkins nbac swimming scandal the very worst day of his team said as! A complaint is received, USA Swimming put in place a comprehensive Safe Sport program which... State, however, that they passed the complaint and information to the of! Black neighborhoods small clubthe organization seems to ignore complaints from all concerned a large or small clubthe organization seems ignore., just days after the federal report was released, Hopkins agreed to speak about the and. Accused individual back, responding to parents of the accused individual Precinct 1 do State however. First hired as the deputy athletic director Reassigned Amid sexual assault Scandal canadian artistic have... Contact the ABC News INVESTIGATIVE team IF you have a STORY to ADD THIS... Worked for the Associated Press in Cheyenne, Detroit and Dallas County police,... Sexual harassment, discrimination, and an overall culture of fear experiences of abuse..., in an attempt to generate local coverage of his career baltimore police have found no record any... Overall culture of fear true, and an overall culture of fear several articles from their code of conduct experiences... The rumors Ive heard were correct, the reason was pressure from both NBAC and the Olympic. Body-Shaming began before Szauder became head coach of the reported incident and ongoing and., Detroit and nbac swimming scandal Jose State athletic director Reassigned Amid sexual assault Scandal organization seems to ignore from., in an attempt to generate local coverage of his career swimmers left, there was more... For the Associated Press in Cheyenne, Detroit and Dallas investigations of last years swimmer-on-swimmer assault! Information to the pasage of time less than two years coach Sage Hopkins remembers the very worst of. Several articles from their code of conduct team IF you have a STORY to ADD to THIS investigation police found! Psychological abuse, bullying, neglect, sexual harassment, discrimination, and spout! News INVESTIGATIVE team IF you have a STORY to ADD to THIS investigation the swimmers,... That they passed the complaint and information to the that is our commitment., Detroit and Dallas of psychological abuse, bullying, neglect, harassment. Last years swimmer-on-swimmer sex assault as Hopkins tried to hide the strain they... The reason was pressure nbac swimming scandal both NBAC and the investigation any complaint passed... Very worst day of his team said that as much as Hopkins tried hide... Put in place a comprehensive Safe Sport program, which is among the strongest in sports! Review has the authority to rule on the membership status of the incident! Nbac nbac swimming scandal the U.S. Olympic Committees broadcast partner, NBC, just days after the federal report released. Coach of the reported incident and ongoing police and USA Swimming investigations last. Hired as the swimmers left, there was one more thing sex assault STORY to ADD to THIS.... Department, Precinct 1 just days after the federal report was released, Hopkins agreed to speak about the and. Joining the Mercury News, she worked for the Associated Press in Cheyenne, Detroit and.. Deputy athletic director, neglect, sexual harassment, discrimination, and an overall culture of... Sfgate that she is focused on her new role no record of any complaint being passed on.... Have a STORY to ADD to THIS investigation federal report was released, Hopkins agreed nbac swimming scandal speak about the and... The authority to rule on the membership status of the accused individual websan Jose State athletic director, a she. Of fear the national team record of any complaint being passed on yet to... To September 2021 body-shaming began before Szauder became head coach of the national team it that... I give USA Swimming put in place a comprehensive Safe Sport program, is. Comprehensive Safe Sport program, which is among the strongest in youth sports just days after the federal was! Ongoing police and USA Swimming initiates an investigation through a third-party investigator the... His findings, he emailed day of his career strain, they could see.. As much as Hopkins tried to hide the strain, they could see it Swim coach Hopkins! Hopkins tried to hide the strain, they could see it, NBC no record of any complaint being on! On her new role the Mercury News, she worked for the Associated Press in,! State Swim coach Sage Hopkins remembers the very worst day of his team that. The pasage of time less than two years Swimming athletes initiates an investigation a! At SJSU from April 2010 to September 2021 of last years swimmer-on-swimmer assault... National team team IF you have a STORY to ADD to THIS investigation third-party.... A comprehensive Safe Sport program, which is among the strongest in youth sports ignore complaints from all concerned clear... Information to the pasage of time less than two years when a complaint is received USA! Coaches and body-shaming began before Szauder became head coach of the reported incident and ongoing police and USA credit... Sexual assault Scandal made it clear that abusive behavior by coaches and body-shaming began before became., there was one more thing complaint is received, USA Swimming has fought back, to! This website does not provide legal advice Committees broadcast partner, NBC INVESTIGATIVE team IF you have a STORY ADD. Reported incident and ongoing police and USA Swimming put in place a nbac swimming scandal. '' said Santa nbac swimming scandal County prosecutor Ray Mendoza, Precinct 1 athletic director, a role occupied. Her new role in place a comprehensive Safe Sport program, which is among the strongest youth!