A Sept. 18, 2020, USA Today report found that “nearly 180 individuals affiliated with cheerleading who have faced charges relating to sexual misconduct involving minors but were not banned by the sport’s two governing bodies, USASF and USA Cheer. More than 140 of them – a group that includes coaches, choreographers and others directly tied to the activity – have been convicted, and 74 are registered sex offenders.” According to the report, it is alleged that USASF often does not ban individuals facing sexual abuse charges until they are convicted, and sometimes still does not ban them even after a conviction. The report outlines several examples in which individuals with existing sexual abuse charges allegedly working in or with USASF member gyms.
Letter from Executive Director Lauri Harris Regarding Athlete Protection
These are only allegations and have not at this time been proven in court.
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Sauder Schelkopf has a nationally recognized litigation practice. Our former prosecutors have extensive experience representing victims of all ages.
- Sauder Schelkopf, and co-counsel, reached a $215 million settlement on behalf of female patients of Dr. George Tyndall, a gynecologist at the University of Southern California accused of sexual misconduct since the 1990s.
- We have been court-appointed as Interim Co-Class Counsel to represent former students of the University of Michigan who were victims of sexual misconduct by Dr. Robert E. Anderson, former director of University Health Service, and a former athletic team physician, who worked at the University of Michigan from 1968 until his retirement in 2003.
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