DENVER (AP) — Concerns about coach Sean Gardner began surfacing in 2017, a year marked by the establishment of a watchdog agency following the notorious Larry Nassar scandal that shook USA Gymnastics and the Olympic movement. But it wasn't until his arrest on child pornography charges in August 2022 that serious consequences followed.
A recent investigation has brought to light months of internal struggles at the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which delayed taking significant action against Gardner despite his indicators of questionable behavior. The agency, conceived to safeguard athletes, faced accusations of retaliatory culture and mismanagement from within, preventing them from applying a lifetime ban even when Gardner seemed willing to accept one.
New allegations stemming from Gardner's actions at various gyms have compelled critics to label the situation as 'Nassar 2.0,' a reminder that the system designed to protect child athletes still has glaring vulnerabilities. Gardner’s case exemplifies how failure to act on reported misconduct allows individuals to continue their abusive patterns.
The inadequacies within SafeSport's procedures have led to growing dissatisfaction among advocacy groups and parents, suggesting a need for overhaul and reform in how such organizations operate to ensure athlete safety.
