DENVER (AP) — Allegations regarding gymnastics coach Sean Gardner surfaced as far back as 2017, unsettling parents and young athletes alike. This followed the creation of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, established in response to the fallout from the Larry Nassar scandal that reverberated through USA Gymnastics and the broader Olympic movement.
Despite the seriousness of these claims, Gardner faced no consequences until 2022, and only after an Associated Press investigation exposed troubling details surrounding his arrest for child pornography—an event many involved considered a replication of the Nassar situation.
A newly unveiled investigation indicates that just months before his criminal charges, Gardner had been ready to accept a permanent coaching ban as part of a deal admitting to the abuse. However, internal politics and allegations of retaliation within SafeSport hindered decisive action against him.
The case's complexity escalated as new witnesses and additional victims emerged, prompting concerns regarding SafeSport's capacity to address such severe allegations effectively.
"This feels like 'Nassar 2.0," remarked one informed source, highlighting the eerie similarities in the handling of both cases. Despite previously being put under a temporary ban, Gardner found himself able to continue working in the gymnastics world until allegations resurfaced.
Experts have criticized SafeSport for failing to impose permanent sanctions rigorously. “This center’s one job is to protect child athletes from predators. And they are failing,” asserted attorney John Manly, likening Gardner’s situation to Nassar's horror story.
As the litigation progressed, new revelations surfaced, with Gardner's conduct—including inappropriate physical interactions with minors—now under scrutiny, evidencing a reactive rather than proactive measure by the center.
The stark reality that Gardner was still able to find employment despite ongoing investigations highlights systemic failures within SafeSport and poses serious questions about how institutions handle such critical allegations against trusted figures in sports.
While Gardner maintains his innocence, the ramifications of this case reveal a critical need for improvement in protective measures for young athletes, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
It remains to be seen how SafeSport will address the inherent challenges detailed in the investigation, but stakeholders are clamoring for substantial accountability and effective protocols to safeguard young athletes in the sport.
