St. Joe's review clears softball coach
The head varsity softball coach at St. Joseph's University will remain on the job, following a report by a university-hired investigator that no staff members violated policy in regard to hazing and sexual misconduct allegations by two former team members who have since sued the school.
The head varsity softball coach at St. Joseph's University will remain on the job, following a report by a university-hired investigator that no staff members violated policy in regard to hazing and sexual misconduct allegations by two former team members who have since sued the school.
The investigation by a law firm that the university declined to name found that head coach Terri Adams and other coaching staff members had no knowledge of and did not participate in hazing or sexual misconduct, according to a university source.
The investigation also found that no team members were "forced" to participate in any alleged hazing, the source said.
Adams declined to comment.
In a statement posted on the university's athletic department website late Monday afternoon, the university said that an "independent external investigator" found no violations of St. Joseph's policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation by the coaching staff.
University officials declined to further discuss the findings from the investigation, which began last spring after allegations emerged that upperclassmen hazed and bullied younger players. The university in May canceled the last three games of the season for the team, and according to a source, suspended four players. The allegations surfaced in April after a parent came forward.
Two former players filed lawsuits in federal court against the university and Adams, one in May and the other in June, alleging that the coach and the university knew about the hazing, that it occurred over a period of years, and that the coach and school did nothing to stop it. Those suits, which allege that the plaintiffs were harassed, made to drink alcohol, and forced to engage in sexually demeaning acts, are pending.
"This has been an unfortunate set of circumstances for all involved," university spokesman Joe Lunardi said. "Findings not withstanding, it's important for all members of the university community to recognize their responsibility to report and ultimately prevent misconduct."
The university plans increased training for staff on how to handle sexual misconduct and hazing allegations this summer. The softball team is due to begin activities again after classes begin Aug. 24.
David Jokelson, a lawyer representing the former players who have filed suit, declined to comment.
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