Sauder Schelkopf is investigating sexual misconduct allegations against San Jose State University on behalf of former student–athletes.  In a whistleblower lawsuit filed on March 2, 2021, in California state court it is alleged, in part, that:

“In 2009, SJSU’s Director of Sports Medicine and Head Athletic Trainer … was accused of sexual misconduct toward more than a dozen female athletes. [He] allegedly touched over a dozen female athletes beneath their undergarments, massaging their breasts and pelvic areas when they sought treatment for other parts of their bodies, without explicit consent or the presence of a chaperone. SJSU initiated a Title IX investigation in 2009, which quietly cleared [him] of wrongdoing.” 

During his tenure at SJSU he was reportedly was an associate head athletic trainer, served as the women’s swimming and diving team’s primary trainer, and the sports medicine director

On March 5, 2021, USA Today reported in part:

Ten former San Jose State University female athletes alleged school employees knew of a pattern of sexual abuse by a longtime athletic trainer but did nothing to protect them, according to tort claim notices they filed this week against the California State University System.

. . . .

A [California State University System] spokesperson directed USA TODAY to university officials. In a statement, San Jose State spokesman Ken Mashinchi said the university is reviewing the claims.

“San Jose State University is dedicated to working every day to ensure a positive, safe and constructive environment on campus so that all students continue to get the most from their experience at SJSU,” Mashinchi said

Through his attorney, the former employee previously denied any wrongdoing.

2.27.21 Statement from SJSU

SJSU’s Response to USA Today

These are only allegations and have not at this time been proven in court.

Related News:

San Jose State settles for $3.3 million with former athletes over sexual abuse allegations

SJSU President Apologizes for ‘Breach of Trust’ in Sexual Misconduct Case

San Jose State’s athletic trainer scandal, explained in brief

Former San Jose State top trainer found responsible for sexual misconduct in state probe

Ten female athletes seek damages after findings of abuse against San Jose State trainer

Swimmers scrutinize investigation

San Jose State head trainer steps down amid investigation of past sexual misconduct allegations

In the spotlight for sex abuse claims, San Jose State University accused of cover-ups and retaliation

San Jose State reinvestigates claims athletic trainer inappropriately touched swimmers

Trainer under investigation resigns

President Papazian’s Statement Addressing Article in USA Today Regarding an Investigation Reopened in December 2019

Experience Matters

Sauder Schelkopf has a nationally recognized litigation practice.  Our former prosecutors have extensive experience representing victims of all ages.

  • Sauder Schelkopf, and co-counsel, recently 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 represented survivors of clergy sexual abuse in dioceses throughout the country.
  • We have represent former male athletes who were victims of sexual misconduct by Dr. Richard Strauss, the Ohio State team doctor, while they were students and student-athletes at Ohio State University.
  • 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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If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, you can confidentially contact the lawyers at Sauder Schelkopf by filling out the form on this page or calling 888.711.9975