USA Swimming Continues to Face Coaching Sexual Abuse Scrutiny

While former Curl-Burke coaches Todd Rucker and Rick Curl await a decision from USA Swimming that would permanently ban them from coaching for their alleged sexual abuse of athletes, more USA Swimming coaches continue to violate their position of authority and allegedly molest young swimmers. Swim blogger Braden Keith reports that Stephen Steele from Florida has been added to USA Swimming’s Banned for Life list, with the suspension effective just over a month ago and his 30-day appeal period having expired. Steele reportedly recently competed in the Florida Sunshine Games for the St. Cloud Aquatic Team.

Journalist Irvin Muchnick reports on more coaches charged with illegal sex abuse. In a lengthy story, which has since been removed, Muchnick questions whether USA Swimming is doing enough to prevent the sexual abuse of female athletes.

Journalist Tim Joyce questions whether the USA Swimming scandal is worse than Penn State.

Meanwhile in Orange County, former USA Swimming certified coach Todd Sousa was arrested again just a short time after being released from state prison for the same offense. It is reported that Sousa cut a deal to plead guilty to 13 felony counts of lewd acts on a child, three felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, and two misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in exchange for 16 months in state prison.

Child molestation attorney Robert Allard continues to call for the removal of USA Swimming leadership in this editorial in the San Jose Mercury News.