Investigation into treatment of athletes leads to the departure of long-time coach
The University of Utah has announced that Tom Farden, the head coach of the women’s gymnastics program, will no longer be leading the team. The decision comes after a university investigation into Farden’s treatment of athletes and his subsequent placement on paid administrative leave. The university aims to provide clarity and stability for the gymnasts as they prepare for the upcoming season. Carly Dockendorf has been appointed as the interim head coach, and the university expresses confidence in her leadership.
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Allegations of abuse prompt investigation
The departure of Tom Farden follows allegations of abuse within the University of Utah’s gymnastics program. Earlier this year, the university hired the law firm Husch Blackwell to conduct a review after receiving reports from former gymnasts and parents. The investigation aimed to determine the veracity of these allegations and assess Farden’s coaching methods.
Findings of the investigation
The review conducted by Husch Blackwell concluded that while Farden’s coaching methods may have caused some gymnasts to feel an increased fear of failure and pressure to retain scholarships, they did not constitute severe, pervasive, or egregious acts of abuse or harassment as defined by NCAA regulations and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. However, the report did identify instances where Farden violated the university’s athlete wellness policy, including the use of degrading language towards a gymnast.
Recommendations for Farden
Despite not finding severe abuse, the report from Husch Blackwell made several recommendations for Farden’s coaching moving forward. These recommendations included creating a performance improvement plan for Farden, providing training in appropriate communication and leadership, involving parents in the program while adhering to privacy regulations, clarifying scholarship terms for student-athletes, and increasing oversight of the gymnastics program by athletics department leaders.
Farden’s response and attorney’s comments
In response to the release of the report, Farden expressed remorse for the negative impacts of his words and actions and stated his commitment to improvement. However, his attorney, Brian C. Johnson, told The Washington Post that Farden has no intention of changing his coaching methods, dismissing the allegations as false statements of fact. These comments led to a reevaluation of Farden’s status at the university.
Conclusion: The departure of Tom Farden as head coach of the University of Utah women’s gymnastics program marks a significant change for the team. The investigation into allegations of abuse and the subsequent findings have prompted the university to take action in the best interest of the student-athletes. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, interim head coach Carly Dockendorf will provide leadership and guidance. The university’s commitment to the welfare and success of its gymnasts remains at the forefront as they navigate this transition.
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